Iran Archives and Libraries
Archives
/National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran Key Genealogical holdings:
- Censuses
- Manuscripts
- Books on Minority Groups and their Families
- Dhimi Tax Documents
- Troop Levy Documents
Getting access is significantly easier if you have a relationship with the archivist. Otherwise, it is difficult to gain access. Retrieving physical originals requires special permission, and many documents are digitized. However, there is no online index.
Libraries
Library, Museum, and Document Center of the Iranian Parliament May contain Mizra Sepahsalar's census data Contains documents on the Iranian parliament, and also books and manuscripts. Requires permissions for the archival director or provide documents. Easy access if you are an Iranian with a national ID card.
Iranian Institute for Contemporary Historical Studies Holds documents dating back to the 19th century. The institute also has a good photographic archive, and runs an oral history project. There is an online website for this archive, and it includes photos of famous political figures, buildings, and other notable Iranians. Institute for Contemporary Historical Studies
Malek National Library and Museum The library contains over 70,000 books and many catalogs and periodicals, some of which may be of genealogical value. The library also includes catalogs for Iranian libraries in other institutions and archives in Europe and Turkey. There is also a catalog for Arabic and Ottoman materials. Hours vary widely, so call in advance, arrive early, and plan to stay the whole day. Researchers who want to view a manuscript or reproduce something will need to bring their passport and an introduction letter from their university.