The originally Persian title of dewan (also quite commonly known as Diwan; also spelled -van) has at various points in the Islamic history, designated various differing though similar functions. Etymology The word's Indian/Persian in origin, and was loaned into Arabic. The original meaning was "bundle (of written sheets)", hence "book", especially "book of accounts," and hence "office of accounts," "custom house," "council chamber". The meaning divan "long, cushioned seat"'s due to such seats ha… (More on Dewan)