Head- position in Persian from a Diachronic Typology Viewpoint

Head-complement parameter has proved to be a controversial issue in Persian. While this language is frequently referred to as an instance of head-final languages, two other opposing views in this regard, namely split-headedness and head-initial, have attracted a number of proponents. Taking these controversies into consideration, this article aims at counting some merits and demerits of each stance. It will also try to bring the debate around some diachronic evidences from the Old and middle Persian in support of the head-initial view. In line with a diachronic typology framework, these thought-provoking clues can pave the way for a cautious conclusion that Persian has seemingly undergone a process of change during its long history and has been moving from a head-final toward a head- initial language.