Ferdowsi's Craft: How the Shahnameh Preserved Pre-Islamic Myths and Histories
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Introduction
Abu’l-Qasem Ferdowsi Tusi (c. 940–1020 CE) stands as one of the most monumental figures in Persian literature. His magnum opus, the Shahnameh (“Book of Kings”), is an epic poem of some 50,000 couplets that weaves together myth, legend, and history to tell the story of the Iranian people from creation …
Continuing the Journey: Resources for Exploring Persian Literature Further (in English)
If you've dipped your toes into the rich world of Persian literature—whether through the lyrical ghazals of Hafez, the spiritual ecstasy of Rumi, or the philosophical musings of Khayyam—you may be wondering where to go next. Fortunately, the treasure trove of Persian literary heritage has increasingly become accessible in English, …
What Makes Persian Literature Unique? Defining Characteristics
Persian literature stands as one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in the world, with a history spanning over a millennium. Known for its profound philosophical depth, intricate poetic forms, and complex symbols, Persian literature has influenced not only the Persian-speaking world but also regions as far as Central …
The Role of Humor in Persian Literature: Wit, Satire, and Storytelling
Persian literature is renowned for its profound philosophical insights, exquisite lyricism, and mystical depth, but it is also home to a rich tradition of humor that has shaped storytelling for centuries. Humor in Persian literature isn't just about laughter—it serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, wit, and subversion …
Contemporary Iranian Voices: Key Authors Writing Today (Available in English)
Persian literature has long been celebrated for its lyrical beauty, philosophical depth, and spiritual richness. But while classical poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi continue to enchant readers worldwide, contemporary Iranian authors are redefining the literary landscape—often in bold, urgent, and deeply personal ways.
In recent decades, modern Iranian …
Words Made Visible: How Persian Literature Inspired Miniature Painting
For centuries, Persian literature has dazzled the world with its lyrical depth, spiritual symbolism, and storytelling brilliance. But Persian culture didn’t stop at telling stories—it found ways to paint them. Nowhere is this synthesis of word and image more striking than in the art of Persian miniature painting.
These …
Universal Mysticism: Comparing Sufi Themes with Other Spiritual Traditions
Throughout history, mystics from various spiritual traditions have explored a common inner terrain—seeking union with the Divine, transcending the ego, and expressing ineffable truths through poetry, metaphor, and paradox. Among these, Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, stands out for its rich poetic legacy and profound spiritual insights. But …
Epic Heroes Compared: Rostam, Achilles, and Arjuna
Across cultures and centuries, epic poetry has preserved the larger-than-life figures who embody the ideals, conflicts, and spiritual yearnings of their civilizations. In Iran, Greece, and India, three such heroes stand out: Rostam of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Achilles of Homer’s Iliad, and Arjuna of Vyasa’s Mahabharata. Though separated …