Azartash Azarnoush is an author and researcher of Arabic linguistics and literature, the director of Arabic literature department of Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia and a professor in Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies of the University of Tehran. He was hailed as a distinguished figure of Arabic literature by the Chehreye Mandegar Foundation.
Azartash Azarnoush was born on Bahman 29, 1316 SH in Qom. Because of his father’s profession, he finished his elementary education in Ahvaz and his high school in Tehran. In 1336 SH he applied for the newly established major of Arabic Literature in one of the faculties of University of Tehran. After receiving his bachelor degree, he moved to France to pursue his education in advanced levels. He got a PhD degree in two fields of Arabic linguistics and literature. He returned to Iran in 1346 SH. After working in Bonyad-e Farhang-e Iran (Institute of Iranian Culture) for few months and researching about Farsi words that have entered Arabic language, and translating Futuh al-Buldan, he began working as a teacher in his own faculty that was now known as the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies.
Azartash Azarnoush is the first Iranian to hold a PhD in the field of Arabic Literature. This prominent and knowledgeable professor is one of the few professors of classic Arabic literature who have also worked on Farsi literature, and have paid special attention to the relationship between them. An important specification of his works is that they have been introduced beyond geographic borders. They are not only popular inside Iran, but also the foreigners interested in Arabic language and literature eagerly seek his works. Three of his works have been chosen as the book of the year, including Kitab al-Musiqa al-Kabir by Farabi in 1375 SH, a translation of Aṭlas tārīkh al-Islām by Husayn Mu’nis in 1376 SH, and Arabic-Persian Contemporary Dictionary in 1379.
He was awarded the Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Ministry of Culture, which he received during an honorary ceremony held in the embassy of France in Tehran. He has very important theories about the translation of holy Quran. He says that “I dream that many linguistics, philologists, philosophers, jurists and … would gather around; Even such team can not publish an ultimate translation of holy Quran. This book will be forever translated yet again, and we correct and complete it gradually until the time we reach eternity.”