A Review of Manichaean Primary Sources

Manichaean studies have emerged as a significant field that sheds light on various sides of ancient Iran, including its religions, culture, and language. This research aims to provide an overview of Manichaean sources, addressing the following questions: What primary Manichaean sources are available to Iranian studies researchers, and how effective are these sources in the study and understanding of Manichaeism? To this end, primary Manichaean sources, including the Manichaean texts, the works of classical historians in various languages, and archaeological findings, are introduced and evaluated. Beyond providing detailed information on Manichean cosmology and creation myth, these sources can also illuminate the Manichaean rituals, society, and the extent to which Manichaeism influenced and was influenced by local and foreign communities over time and space. In essence, these sources enable scholars to not only examine the evolution of Manichaean ideology but also to adopt a cross-religious perspective to study the linguistics, geographical distribution, lifestyle, and interactions of Manichaeans with diverse societies.