Iran is compiling the world's first Shahnameh encyclopedia in a bid to facilitate academic research into the Persian epic masterpiece.

Iranian scholars and literary figures such as Hassan Anousheh, Mir Jalaleddin Kazzazi, Fereidoun Joneidi and Jalal Khaleqi Motlaq will participate in the project.

A team of Iranian and international scholars will contribute to the project in different fields including history, geography, culture and civilization, medicine, astronomy and astrology, architecture and music.

The encyclopedia will discuss the cultural and historical impacts of a number of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries which were part of Iran when Shahnameh was written.

Written by the Persian poet, Ferdowsi, Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) is a classic among epic Persian poetry and recounts Iran's mythical and historical past.

The book is unique as it was written when Arabic was the main scientific and literary language of Iran.

TE/HGH