Persian Language and Culture

Language of Instruction: Dutch

Iran is a land of contrasts: the atmosphere in Teheran and other major cities cannot be compared to the more traditional countryside. The position of Iran with respect to the West changes constantly, due to new developments in the Middle East. Few people know that Iran, the historical Persia, was once an empire. There was a time when Persian influence reached all the way to China. In addition, in the course of many thousands of years the Persian language has acquired the reputation of being the ideal language for poetry. The Persian literary tradition continues to blossom, both in Iran and in Iranian communities abroad.

The Bachelor’s Programme
Students are taught both classical and modern Persian, and read both recent texts and classical literature. The learning of the language is a central component of the entire programme. In addition, students take courses on geography and ethnology, Islam and the history of Iran and Afghanistan, and modern society. Leiden University boasts some beautiful collections in the field of Persian culture, as well as an extensive documentation centre on modern Iran. These features attract many foreign researchers, but students are free to make use of them for their research, for writing papers and their BA theses.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the Persian Language and Culture programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.