On 17 November 2025, the Grande Salle de la Sorbonne in Paris hosted a ceremony celebrating the scholarly achievements and lasting legacy of Professor Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi. The event marked the presentation of a Festschrift in his honour, From the Letter and the Spirit: Studies in Honour of Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi, published by Brepols earlier that month.
Scholars honour Professor Amir-Moezzi in Paris
Bringing together friends, colleagues, former students, and long-standing attendees of his seminars at the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), the gathering reflected the profound influence Amir-Moezzi has had on several generations of scholars of Shiʿi and Islamic studies.
Edited by two of his former doctoral students, Dr Orkhan Mir-Kasimov and Dr Mathieu Terrier, the two-volume Festschrift pays tribute to Professor Amir-Moezzi’s four decades of groundbreaking research on Shiʿi thought, traditions, and intellectual history. The volumes bring together contributions from leading scholars in the field, offering original research that builds on and extends the intellectual questions at the heart of Amir-Moezzi’s oeuvre.
Together, the chapters form a significant scholarly resource, capturing the current state of Shiʿi studies while also charting new directions shaped by his pioneering insights. The breadth and depth of the contributions underscore the transformative impact of his scholarship across the wider study of Islam.
Ceremony highlights
The ceremony opened with remarks from representatives of the EPHE, Professor Amir-Moezzi’s academic home, who expressed admiration for his intellectual rigour, generosity as a mentor, and enduring dedication to advancing knowledge. The editors of the volume spoke about their experience in assembling the Festschrift and highlighted the wide array of scholars – spanning continents, disciplines, and methodological approaches – who wished to honour their former teacher.
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was represented by Dr Farhad Daftary, former Co-Director of the Institute, Professor Zayn Kassam, current Director, Dr Gurdofarid Miskinzoda, Co-Head of the Department of Education; and Dr Orkhan Mir-Kasimov, Associate Professor at IIS and co-editor of the Festschrift. Their presence underscored the long and fruitful collaboration between Professor Amir-Moezzi and IIS, which has significantly contributed to shaping Shiʿi studies as a recognised academic field.
In their addresses, Professor Kassam, Dr Miskinzoda, and Dr Mir-Kasimov emphasised the international impact of Professor Amir-Moezzi’s scholarship and his pivotal role in establishing and nurturing Shiʿi studies at IIS. They reflected on his influence as both a scholar and mentor, noting how his work has enriched global understandings of Shiʿi thought and inspired numerous research initiatives at the Institute.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of deep respect, gratitude, and affection. As the ceremony concluded, attendees expressed a shared sense that the volumes not only honour Professor Amir-Moezzi’s extraordinary body of work but also constitute an enduring contribution to the field – one that will guide and inspire new generations of scholars for years to come.
