Nezami Ganjavi, born in 1141 in Ganja (present-day Azerbaijan), was a distinguished Persian poet renowned for his romantic epic poetry. His full name was Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn-Yusuf ibn-Zakki Mu'ayyad Nezami Ganjavi.

Nezami's most celebrated work is the "Khamsa" or "Quintet," a collection of five long narrative poems that have significantly influenced Persian literature. These poems include "Makhzan al-Asrar" ("The Treasury of Mysteries"), "Khosrow and Shirin," "Layla and Majnun," "Haft Paykar" ("The Seven Beauties"), and "Eskandar-Nama" ("The Book of Alexander").

His writing is distinguished by its realistic portrayal of characters and intricate storytelling, which brought a colloquial and realistic style to Persian epic poetry. Nezami's works are celebrated for their exploration of human emotions, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical themes, often interwoven with elements of mysticism.

Nezami spent most of his life in Ganja, leading a relatively secluded existence dedicated to his literary pursuits. Despite receiving patronage from various rulers, he maintained a degree of independence, choosing to focus on his art rather than courtly life.

Nezami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in Ganja, where he was buried. His mausoleum in Ganja remains a site of homage, reflecting the enduring legacy of his contributions to Persian literature.

Today, Nezami's heritage is widely appreciated in countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, the Kurdistan region, and Tajikistan, underscoring his lasting impact on Persian literary tradition.