Persian Poetry on Distant Shores by Franklin D. Lewis & Annemarie Schimmel (Farsi)

Persian classical poetry is one of the richest and most revered traditions in world literature, with its roots stretching back over a thousand years. It is deeply intertwined with the history, culture, and philosophy of Iran, and has influenced not only the Persian-speaking world but also neighboring regions. Classical Persian poetry is characterized by its strict forms, intricate rhyme schemes, and rhythmic patterns, with many poets composing their works using ghazals (lyric poems), rubaiyats (quatrains), and masnavis (narrative poems). The use of metaphor, symbolism, and allegory is a hallmark of this tradition, often exploring themes such as love, beauty, mysticism, nature, and the human condition. Some of the most renowned figures in classical Persian poetry include Hafez, Saadi, Rumi, and Omar Khayyam. Hafez, for instance, is known for his exquisite ghazals that explore the themes of love, wine, and the search for truth. Rumi, the famous mystic poet, blended Persian poetry with Sufism, creating works that delve into spiritual enlightenment, divine love, and the quest for union with the Beloved. Saadi’s Golestan and Bustan are masterpieces of moral and social philosophy, while Khayyam’s Rubaiyat provides philosophical reflections on the fleeting nature of life. Classical Persian poetry continues to be cherished for its linguistic beauty, spiritual depth, and timeless relevance, influencing contemporary poets and readers around the world.