The Position of Iranians in Mathematics: Perspectives from Dr. Hanif Ghelandari

August 7, 2025

This analytical discussion with Dr. Hanif Ghelandari, a professor of the history of science and head of the Institute for the History of Science at the University of Tehran, examines the prominent role of Iranian scholars in the formation and expansion of mathematics. This interview, titled "The Standing of Iranians in the Equation of Mathematical Science," was recently published by the Anatok News Agency.

Iranians' Standing in Mathematics from the Perspective of Dr. Hanif Ghelandari

In an analytical discussion with Dr. Hanif Ghelandari, Professor of the History of Science and Head of the Institute for the History of Science at the University of Tehran, the prominent role of Iranian scholars in the formation and expansion of mathematical science has been explored. This interview, titled "The Standing of Iranians in the Equation of Mathematical Science," was recently published by the Anatok News Agency.

In this interview, Dr. Ghelandari emphasizes that Islamic civilization, particularly within the scientific spheres of Iran, was able to pave a new path for the advancement of mathematics by translating, critiquing, and developing the Greek heritage. Referring to the valuable works of mathematicians such as Khwarizmi, Karaji, Khayyam, Kashani, Buzjani, Sizji, and other great figures, he introduces Iranians as key players in the "global equation of science."

In one part of the discussion, he highlights an important point: "If we consider Islamic civilization as the connecting point in the history of mathematics, Iranians have acted as the pivotal axis of this connection." This perspective emphasizes the active role of Iranians not merely as transmitters of knowledge, but as innovators and authors of fundamental mathematical concepts.

By examining the process of the transmission and transformation of mathematical concepts in the Islamic world, Dr. Ghelandari stresses the necessity of interdisciplinary studies in the history of science—studies that go beyond names and figures to analyze the structures, scientific traditions, and historical contexts of knowledge production.

The full text of the interview is available for reading on the Anatok News Agency.