On Feb. 7, 2024, 1:34 p.m. hamed:
Classical Persian poetry is not only about mystic concepts and spirituality, but also about the social and historical realities of the Persian-speaking world. Many poets used their verses to comment on the political events and issues of their times, such as wars, invasions, revolutions, tyranny, justice, and patriotism. Some of the poets who expressed political views in their poetry are:
Ferdowsi (940-1020): The epic poet who composed the Shahnameh, the national epic of Iran, which recounts the history and legends of the ancient Persian kings and heroes. Ferdowsi also criticized the Arab conquest of Iran and the decline of the Persian culture and language under the Islamic rule. He also lamented the oppression and corruption of the rulers of his time, such as Mahmud of Ghazna, who failed to appreciate and support his monumental work.
Saadi (1210-1291): The lyrical poet who wrote the Bustan and the Gulistan, two collections of moral and didactic stories and poems. Saadi also witnessed the Mongol invasion of Iran and the destruction and suffering it caused. He denounced the cruelty and injustice of the Mongol rulers and urged the Persians to resist and unite against them. He also praised the virtues of good governance, justice, and benevolence, and advocated for the rights and dignity of the poor and the oppressed.
Hafez (1325-1390): The master of the ghazal, the short love poem, who also used his verses to convey subtle and sometimes sarcastic criticism of the political and religious authorities of his time. Hafez lived under the rule of the Muzaffarid dynasty, which was marked by instability and violence. He also faced censorship and persecution for his unconventional views on religion and morality. He expressed his dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the hypocrisy and tyranny of the rulers and the clergy, and his longing for freedom and happiness.
Khwaju Kermani (1280-1352): The poet and mystic who wrote the Homayun-nama and the Rawzat al-Anwar, two epic poems that describe the spiritual journeys of the mythical kings Homay and Homayun. Khwaju Kermani also traveled extensively throughout the Persian-speaking lands and witnessed the political and cultural diversity of the region. He praised the achievements and contributions of the various dynasties and peoples, such as the Seljuqs, the Mongols, the Ilkhanids, the Timurids, and the Kurds. He also advocated for the unity and harmony of the Persianate world and the promotion of the Persian language and literature.