Saadi Shirazi: Wisdom and Stories from the 'Golestan' and 'Bustan'
Among the luminous stars in the sky of Persian literature, Saadi Shirazi holds a place of timeless honor. Born in the 13th century in the beautiful city of Shiraz, Saadi was not only a gifted poet but also a traveler, thinker, and teacher whose writings continue to resonate with …
Hafez of Shiraz: Master of the Ghazal and Poet of the Heart
Few poets in the world command the same reverence and love in their homeland as Hafez of Shiraz does in Iran. Known as the “Tongue of the Invisible” and “Interpreter of Mysteries,” Hafez (also spelled Hafiz) is celebrated not just for his mastery of language, but for the way his …
Rumi: More Than Quotes – The Mystic Poet of Love and the Soul
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, chances are you’ve come across a quote attributed to Rumi—something dreamy, deep, and spiritual, usually about love, the soul, or the universe. But Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī is far more than a font of poetic one-liners. He was a 13th-century Persian mystic, theologian, …
Timeless Romances: Legendary Love Stories from Persian Literature
Persian literature is renowned for its sweeping epics, philosophical depth, and lyrical beauty—but nowhere does it capture the human heart more poignantly than in its great love stories. Two of the most enduring tales are Layla & Majnun and Khosrow & Shirin. Penned by the 12th‑century master poet NizamiGanjavi, …
Beyond the Myths: Exploring Ancient Persian Beliefs and Zoroastrianism
Long before the Islamic mosques of Isfahan or the poetry of Hafez, the Persian plateau was home to a vibrant tapestry of myth, ritual, and early monotheistic faith. To understand the spiritual foundations that shaped not only Iran but also the world’s religious landscape, we must look beyond the dragons …
Dragons, Divs, and the Simurgh: Mythical Creatures in Persian Folklore
Persian folklore brims with legendary creatures that reflect the region’s rich tapestry of belief, myth, and artistic tradition. From fearsome dragons to malevolent Divs and the majestic Simurgh, each being embodies timeless themes of chaos versus order, wisdom, and the interplay between the human and the divine. Join us on …
Meet Rostam: The Legendary Hero of Persian Mythology
In the sweeping epic of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (“Book of Kings”), no figure shines brighter than Rostam—Persia’s mightiest champion, whose feats of strength, courage, and loyalty have echoed through more than a millennium of Persian culture. From his miraculous birth to his heart‑wrenching final battle, Rostam embodies the ideals of …
The Shahnameh: Discovering Iran’s Epic “Book of Kings”
Few works loom as large in world literature—and as deeply in Iranian cultural identity—as Shahnameh, the monumental “Book of Kings.” Penned over thirty years by the poet Ferdowsi (c. 940–1020 CE), this 60,000‑verse masterpiece weaves myth, legend, and history into a single sweeping saga of Iran’s past. Whether you’re new to …
