A Manuscript That
Narrates History
A private archive of authentic Iranian historical documents; autograph letters by political, social, cultural and artistic figures, original photographs bearing the stamps of renowned photographers, royal farmans and decrees from the Safavid era to the second Pahlavi era, and academic records of celebrated figures in culture and the arts.
Five Chapters of an Archive
Every document at Persian Folio passes through a filter of provenance review, ownership history and preservation assessment before entering the collection.
Manuscripts & Personal Letters
Letters, journal entries and autographs of political, social, cultural and artistic figures in Iranian history, dated and, in many cases, signed.
View Chapter I ←Original Photographs
Original prints from historic Iranian photography studios, bearing the photographer's stamp or signature on the mount or verso.
View Chapter II ←Royal Farmans & Decrees
Farmans, decrees and chancery documents from the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, Qajar and Pahlavi eras, bearing official court seals and signatures.
View Chapter III ←Academic & Educational Records
Diplomas, certificates and academic credentials of notable figures in Iranian culture, literature, science and art, from schools and universities at home and abroad.
View Chapter IV ←Diplomatic Papers & Family Archives
Diplomatic correspondence, family albums, medals and citations, and other documented artifacts of Iran's modern social and official life.
View Chapter V ←Part of the collection is openly viewable; restricted documents are available only by prior arrangement for researchers and collectors.
Arrange a VisitA Four-Stage Process Before Any Document Is Accepted
No document enters Persian Folio without completing this process. The goal is documented certainty for the researcher, collector and institution alike.
Provenance Review
Tracing ownership, the originating family or archive, and the chain of custody by which the document reached the collection.
Historical Cross-Reference
Comparing hand, seal, paper and script against reference examples and library and archival sources.
Material Assessment
Examining paper, ink, wax or lacquer seals, and condition to determine appropriate preservation requirements.
Cataloguing & Preservation
Compiling a documented record, archival photography, and final classification within the collection index.
"Every leaf in this archive is a silent witness to a moment when Iranian history was written."
PERSIAN FOLIO — COLOPHONThe Principles Behind the Collection
I.Discretion
Negotiation and acquisition are always conducted with full respect for the confidentiality of owners, families and heirs.
II.Research
Every document is documented with reference to historical sources and independent expert consultation.
III.Preservation
Acid-free housing, humidity and light control, to museum-archive standards.
IV.Continuity
A commitment to preserving these documents for the next generation of researchers — not merely a transaction.
Request Access to Restricted Documents
Researchers, collectors and institutions may submit a request to view restricted portions of the collection in person or remotely.
Request a Visit