The Mandaean Rivers Scroll (Diwan Nahrawatha)

This book features detailed analysis of an ancient secret scroll from the Middle East known as the Rivers Scroll or Diwan Nahrawatha, providing valuable insight into the Gnostic Mandaean religion. This important scroll offers a window of understanding into the Mandaean tradition, with its intricate worldview, ritual life, mysticism and esoteric qualities, as well as intriguing art. The text of the Rivers Scroll and its artistic symbolism have never before been properly analyzed and interpreted, and the significance of the document has been lost in scholarship. This study includes key segments translated into English for the first time and gives the scroll the worthy place it deserves in the history of the Mandaean tradition. It will be of interest to scholars of Gnosticism, religious studies, archaeology and Semitic languages.

Brikha H. S. Nasoraia is Professor of Comparative Semitics, Literature and Studies in Religion. He holds professorial positions in Artuklu University, Turkey, and at the University of Sydney, Australia. He is an archaeologist (with more than 17 years of fieldwork experience) and a philosopher of religion, mind, art and language. He is also the President of the International Mandaean Näoraean Supreme Council and Näoraean Mandaean Association.

Introducing the Rivers Scroll 1 The Mandaeans: Their Writings and Art 2 Prolegomena to the Study of The Rivers Scroll 3 Negotiating the Text and Illustrations of DN 4 The Special Characteristics of DN in Perspective 5 Conclusion