CONTENT

➤Introduction
➤Characteristics of
Persian Literature
➤Brief Background of
the Country
➤Writers and Poets in
Persian Literature
➤The start of Persian
Literature
 INTRODUCTION
➤Official Name: Islamic Republic of Iran
➤Capital: Tehran
➤Population: Around 89 million (as of 2024
estimated)
➤Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
➤Official Language: Persian (Farsi)
➤Religion: Predominantly Shia Islam
➤Government: Islamic Republic, combining
elements of theocracy and democracy, led by a
Supreme Leader and an elected President.
 Iran (Persia) is the most populous and the
second largest country in the Middle East,
and a major exporter of oil. Iran, meaning
"Land of the Aryans," was the center of a
great empire of the ancient world and
remained a monarchy until the Islamic
revolution of 1979 and the establishment of
the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• The Persian Empire is
the name given to a
series of dynasties
centered in modern-
day Iran.

• The first Persian

Empire, is founded by
Cyrus the Great.
 Cyrus the Great

➤ He founded the first Persian

Empire, also known as the
Achaemenid Empire, in 550
B.C.
➤ The leader of one such tribe-
began to defeat nearby kingdoms,
including Media, Lydia and Babylon,
joining them under one rule.
 Darius the Great

➤The fourth king of

the Achaemenid
Empire, ruled over the
Persian Empire.

➤He unified the empire.

➤The Persian Empire entered a

period of decline after a failed
invasion of Greece by Xerxes I in 480
BC.
 Persian literature has
deep historical roots,
with early examples
including the Behistun
Inscription of Darius I
from around 522 BCE,
which is a monumental
text in Old Persian.
The Behistun Inscription is not only a key
historical document but also one of the earliest
examples of Persian writing.
 Later, Persian
literature faced
setbacks, especially
with the invasion of
Alexander the Great,
who destroyed the library at Persepolis
around 330 BCE, leading to the loss of
many important works.
 However, the true
flowering of Persian
literature is commonly
dated to the rise of the
Abbasid Dynasty
around 750 CE.

This period marked a renaissance in Persian

language and culture, especially with the
influence of Arabic.
1.Poetry Dominance: Persian literature is
predominantly poetic. Poetry is considered the
highest form of literary expression in Persian
culture, and Persian poets have produced some
of the world's most exquisite and revered
verses.

2.Mysticism and Sufism: Many Persian poets,

such as Rumi, and Hafez, are known for their
exploration of mystical and Sufi themes. Sufism,
a mystical Islamic tradition, has had a profound
influence on Persian literature, infusing it with
themes of love, spirituality, and the search for
divine truth.
3.Ghazal Poetry: The ghazal, a poetic form
consisting of rhyming couplets, is a hallmark of
Persian literature. Ghazals often explore themes
of love, longing, and the human condition.

4.Epic Poetry: The "Shahnameh" (The Book of

Kings) by Ferdowsi is a monumental epic poem
that narrates the history and mythology of
Persia. Epic poetry is an important genre within
Persian literature.

5.Rich Symbolism: Persian poets employ

intricate symbolism and metaphors in their
works, creating layers of meaning that invite
deep contemplation.
1. Abu Abdollah Ja'far Ibn
Muhammad Rudaki
known as Rudaki, also
known as "Adam of Poets,
was a Persian poet
regarded as the first great
literary genius of the
Modern Persian
Language.
The fleeting nature of life. This poem is a reflection
on mortality and
encourages readers to live
Life is a journey full of
fleeting moments, Do wisely and appreciate the
not be too attached to fleeting moments of life. It
the wealth you captures Rudaki's
possess, For everything philosophical outlook and
in this world fades
is emblematic of his work,
away. Like the rose,
beauty is here today, emphasizing both the
gone tomorrow. beauty and impermanence
of life.
2. Abu Mansur Daqiqi
known as Daqiqi, was one
of the most prominent
Persian poets of Samanid
era. He was the first to
undertake the creation of
the national epic of Iran,
the Shahnameh.
The most famous work
that Abu Mansur Daqiqi is
known for writing is the
"Shahnameh" (The Book
One of his famous
of Kings), which he started
but did not complete. works is the Story of
Daqiqi's contribution to King Jamshid from the
the Shahnameh is Shahnameh is a tale
considered crucial as he of prosperity, pride,
laid the groundwork for and downfall.
the more extensive work
that was later completed
by Ferdowsi.
King Jamshid, a including architecture,
legendary Persian ruler, is science, and agriculture,
celebrated for his and is credited with
wisdom, justice, and bringing civilization and
leadership. Under his order to the world. His
reign, the Persian Empire rule is often described as
flourished, and his a golden age.
people experienced
However, Jamshid’s
peace, prosperity, and
success and power
happiness. He introduced
eventually led to his
advancements in various
pride. He began to believe
fields,
that he was
divine and demanded Jamshid was
that people worship him overthrown by Zahhak,
as a god. His arrogance a demon-king, and was
angered both the people eventually killed.
and the gods. As a result, Despite his downfall,
Jamshid lost the divine Jamshid’s legacy of
favor that had protected prosperity and wisdom
him. His once-loyal remained a symbol of
subjects turned against the ideal ruler in
him, and his reign came Persian tradition.
to a tragic end.
The story serves as a
cautionary tale
about the dangers of
pride and the
importance of
humility, even in the
face of immense
power and success.
3. Abul-Qasem Ferdowsi
Tusi Was a Persian poet and
the author of Shahnameh
"Book of Kings", which is
one of the largest epic
poems created by a single
poet, and the national epic
of Greater Iran.
•An epic poem that
recounts the history
of pre-Islamic
Persia.

•It contains 62
stories, told in 990
chapters with
50,000 rhyming
couplets
•It is essentially a
chronicle of kings, with LANGUAGE
the larger sections divided •written in Middle
according to the and Modern
coronations and deaths of Persian
individual monarchs. It
include ancient myths,
legends, and historical CHARACTERS
figures, such as Alexander Ancient Persian
the Great, dating back to heroes- generals
the sixth century b.c. and commanders
"The Story of Sohrab and They fought in single combat and
Rostam" Rostam wrestled Sohrab to the
ground, stabbing him fatally. As
Rostam was unaware that he he lay dying, Sohrab recalled
had a son, Sohrab, by Princess how his love for his father-the
Tahmina. He had not seen the mighty Rostam had brought him
Princess for many years. After there in the first place. Rostam,
years without any real to his horror, realised the truth.
knowledge of one another, He saw his own arm bracelet on
Rostam and Sohrab faced each Sohrab, which he had given to
other in battle, fighting on Tahmina many years before and
opposing sides. Rostam did not which Tahmina had given to
recognise his own son, although Sohrab before the battle, in the
Sohrab had suspicions that hope that it might protect him.
Rostam may be his father.
But he realised the
truth too late. He
had killed his own
son, 'the person
who was dearer to
him than all
others'. This is one
of the most tragic
episodes of the
Shahnameh.
The story of Sohrab and The Consequences of
Rustam carries several War: It highlights the
key messages; devastating effects of war,
where even those with
Fate and Tragedy: The
noble intentions can end
tale emphasizes how fate
up causing irreparable
can be cruel and
harm. In this case,
unpredictable. Despite
Rustam, a great warrior,
their love and potential
unknowingly kills his own
for reunion, father and
son, illustrating how war
son are tragically doomed
leads to loss and sorrow.
to fight each other
without knowing their
true identities.
Identity and The Complexity of Human
Recognition: The story Emotions: The story delves
underscores the into the complex emotions of
importance of identity love, guilt, and regret,
and the tragic especially through Rustam’s
consequences of not mourning after the
knowing one’s true self realization of his actions.
or the people around Overall, it serves as a
them. Rustam and powerful reminder of the
Sohrab only realize their consequences of
relationship after it is too misunderstanding and the
late, which adds to the often unpredictable nature
sorrow of the tale. of life.
4. Adam Sanai Ghaznavi -He
wrote an enormous quantity
of mystical verse, of which the
called "The Walled Garden of
Truth or The Hadiqat al
Hadiqaqa" is his master work
and the first Persian mythical
epic of Sufism.
The Walled Garden of
Truth (Hadiqat al- Through the veil of the
Haqiqah) world, distractions
abound,
In the garden of truth, I Yet in love’s pure
sought the rose, embrace, true
But found not just beauty— understanding is found.
there lay the One who Surrender yourself, let
knows. the ego dissolve,
Beyond the petals, a deeper For in the garden of
secret lies, truth, all mysteries
The heart's true longing, resolve.
where the spirit flies.
Seek not the transient, Summary of the Themes:
for it fades like the night, Spiritual Quest: The
But strive for the eternal, journey toward
the source of all light. understanding and truth.
When you love the Divine Love: Love for God
Beloved, all barriers fall, as a transformative and
In unity with the divine, enlightening force.
you become one with all. Unity: The realization of
oneness with the divine
essence.
5. Mawlanā Jami- Jami
was a Persian Sufi scholar,
poet, and theologian. He
is considered one of the
last great classical Persian
poets, known for his deep
spirituality and mastery of
both prose and poetry.
 "The Story of Salaman
and Absal" As he pursues Absal,
Salaman encounters
numerous challenges that
Summary
test his devotion and
In Haft Awrang by Mawlānā
understanding of love.
Jami, the tale of Salaman and
Throughout the story, he
Absal revolves around a young
learns that true love
prince named Salaman, who
transcends mere physical
becomes infatuated with the
attraction and is linked to the
beautiful maiden Absal. Initially
pursuit of divine truth. Absal
drawn to her for her physical
represents not only romantic
beauty, Salaman's love evolves
love but also the ideal of
into a deeper spiritual quest.
spiritual enlightenment.
 Moral Lesson:
It teaches that love should not be
Ultimately, Salaman’s confined to physical attraction but
journey reflects the should aspire to a higher
understanding of unity with the
transformation of his divine. The tale emphasizes the
love from a worldly importance of personal growth
desire to a profound through love, illustrating that
spiritual awakening, genuine affection can lead one to
leading him to deeper truths about existence and
the nature of the soul. This journey
understand that true of love ultimately transforms the
love connects him seeker, guiding them toward
with the divine. spiritual fulfillment and unity with
the divine essence.
6. Jalal ad-Din Muhammad
Rumi Known as Rumi and also
called by the honorific
Mawlana, the greatest Sufi
mystic poet in the Persian
language.One of the most
famous works of Rumi is the
Masnavi .This extensive poem
is often referred to as "the
spiritual Quran"
 The Story of the
Elephant in the Dark After feeling the elephant,
they begin to argue about
what the animal is like. The
Summary:
man who touched the trunk
A group of blind men hears
insists that the elephant is
that an elephant has arrived in
like a thick snake. The one
their town. Curious, they
who felt the ear claims it is
decide to touch the creature to
like a large fan. The one who
understand what it is like. Each
touched the leg argues that
blind man approaches the
the elephant is like a tree
elephant and touches a
trunk, while another insists
different part of its body: one
it resembles a wall, having
touches the trunk, another the
felt its side.
ear, a third the leg, and so on.
Their differing Moral:
descriptions lead to
heated debates and
The story encourages
arguments, each
listeners to recognize the
convinced that his
value of diverse
perception is the only
viewpoints and to seek a
truth. Eventually, they
more comprehensive
realize that their
understanding of truth
limited understanding
rather than clinging
has caused confusion
stubbornly to their limited
and conflict.
perceptions.
7. Saadi Shirazi was a major
Persian poet and prose writer
of the medieval period. He is
recognized for the quality of
his writings and for the depth
of his social and moral
thoughts.
 Gulistan Message
The story teaches that
Summary: A story about mercy and compassion are
a king who shows mercy vital in leadership, but
to a prisoner. Despite they should be shown
the prisoner insulting wisely to those who
the king behind his back, deserve it. Saadi's simple
the king chooses to but profound stories often
forgive him. Later, the carry moral lessons about
prisoner expresses justice, humility, and
gratitude. kindness.
8. Nizami Ganjavi the
greatest romantic epic
poet in Persian
literature, who brought
a colloquial and
realistic style to the
Persian epic.
 The narrative begins
Brief Summary of
when Khosrow hears
"Khosrow and Shirin":
about Shirin's
unparalleled beauty and
"Khosrow and Shirin" is an
falls in love with her. He
epic love story by Nizami
embarks on a journey to
Ganjavi that follows the
win her heart, facing
romantic relationship
various obstacles along
between Khosrow, a
the way, including the
Persian king, and Shirin, an
jealous rival Farhad, who
Armenian princess.
is also infatuated with
Shirin.
As Khosrow pursues Shirin, their
love is tested by political
intrigue, misunderstandings,
and personal sacrifices. Despite Conclusion:
their deep affection, fate Overall, "Khosrow and
intervenes, leading to tragic Shirin" is a rich tapestry
consequences. The story of love and tragedy,
beautifully illustrates the
themes of love, devotion, and
showcasing Nizami's
the sacrifices made in the name masterful storytelling
of true passion, culminating in a and lyrical prowess.
poignant exploration of the
complexities of human
relationships.
9. Omar Khayyam Was a
Persian polymath,
mathematician, astronomer,
philosopher, and a poet.
There is a tradition of
attributing poetry to Omar
Khayyam, written in the
form of quatrains.
Omar Khayyam is most famous
One of the most famous
for his work Rubaiyat of Omar
quatrains from Rubaiyat of
Khayyam, a collection of
Omar Khayyam is:
quatrains (four-line verses). It
is a philosophical and poetic
work, often reflecting on "The moving finger writes;
themes like life, love, fate, and and, having writ,
the nature of existence. The Moves on; nor all your piety
Rubaiyat gained international nor wit
fame after being translated Shall lure it back to cancel
into English by Edward half a line,
FitzGerald in the 19th century, Nor all your tears wash out a
which brought Khayyam's word of it."
poetry to a global audience.
The message of this No amount of regret,
quatrain from Rubaiyat wisdom, or emotional
of Omar Khayyam response can alter the past.
centers on the themes This suggests that life is
of inevitability and transient and emphasizes
acceptance. The poet the importance of living in
conveys that once the moment and accepting
something has the consequences of our
happened—like the actions. Ultimately, it
words written by a encourages a sense of
moving finger—it's resignation to the flow of
impossible to change time and the permanence
or undo it. of our experiences.
10. Hafez Shirazi his
collected works are
regarded as a pinnacle of
Persian literature and are
to be found in the homes
of most people in Iran and
Afghanistan.
Ghazal 17 by Hafez
Let us drink, for life
Shirazi:
is fleeting,
And the eternal
"The nightingale of love
dawn will soon be
has called,
here.
And the rose has opened
Why delay? For the
her heart to the garden.
hour of reckoning is
Let us seize the moment,
near,
for the wine is poured,
And our hearts, like
And the wine-bearer has
the morning, will
come to us.
shine with truth.
Let the lover forget the In the presence of the
world, cup,
And all the troubles The heart finds its
that plague his soul. ultimate release.
For in the realm of the Let the soul dance
Beloved, with joy,
There is no sorrow, no For this moment is all
separation." that truly exists."
This ghazal invites a
sense of joy and
acceptance of life’s
fleeting beauty,
encouraging living
fully in the present
moment while
embracing love and
the spiritual
connection with the
divine.
Prepared by: Michelle
Mucho & Christina
Chavez