The Sweetness of Persian: Unpacking Saeb Tabrizi’s Enduring Verse
Persian has long been celebrated for its lyrical cadence and subtle playfulness, and no one embodies this better than the celebrated poet Saeb Tabrizi. Centuries ago, he penned lines that continue to enchant modern readers with their wit and wisdom:
دزدی بوسه عجب دزدی خوش عاقبتی است
که اگر بازستانند، …
Old Persian Occasions: A Celebration of Faith, Nature, and Community
Ancient Persia, a land renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, possessed a calendar punctuated by numerous significant occasions. These were not merely arbitrary dates but rather deeply meaningful events intricately woven with the threads of Zoroastrianism, the dominant faith of the time, and the essential agricultural cycles that …
How did Omar Khayyam contribute to the creation of the Jalali calendar
Omar Khayyam made significant contributions to the creation of the Jalali calendar, which was a major achievement in Islamic astronomy and Persian culture. Here are the key aspects of his contributions:
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Leadership and Collaboration: Khayyam led a team of eight scholars under the patronage of Sultan Malik-Shah. Together, they …
Old Persian occasions
Old Persian occasions were deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism and the agricultural cycles. Here is a list of some significant occasions, including Nowruz:
Major Occasions:
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Nowruz (نوروز): Literally meaning "New Day," Nowruz is the Persian New Year and the most significant festival, celebrated at the spring equinox (around March 20th or …
Understanding the Persian Calendars: Jalali and Khorshidi
Understanding the Persian Calendars: Jalali and Khorshidi
The Persian calendar system has a rich history, with various forms evolving over time. Two notable calendars are the Jalali calendar and the Solar Hijri calendar, often referred to as the Khorshidi calendar in informal contexts. While the term "Lunar Persian Calendar" …
Hazliyat from Saadi Shirazi: When the Great Poet Says Rude
Saadi Shirazi, one of the towering figures of classical Persian literature, is celebrated for his profound insights into human nature—and for his masterful use of humor and satire. While many remember him for the moral lessons of the Gulistan and the pastoral beauty of the Bustan, a closer look …
Celebrating Nowruz: An Ode to Renewal with Persian Poetry
Nowruz—the Persian New Year—is much more than a calendar reset. It is a celebration of nature’s rebirth, a time when the cold embrace of winter gives way to the vibrant promise of spring. For over three millennia, millions have welcomed this auspicious moment as an opportunity to renew their hearts, …
Today in History: Ferdowsi Completes the Shahnameh
Today in History: Ferdowsi Completes the Shahnameh
On this day, we commemorate one of the most momentous achievements in Persian literature—the completion of Ferdowsi’s epic masterpiece, the Shahnameh. Legend has it that on 8 March 1010, after more than three decades of relentless dedication, Ferdowsi finished crafting his …