Iran held a special event on March 12 to honor Hakim Nizami Ganjavi, one of the most influential poets in Persian literature. The ceremony, part of the annual Nizami Ganjavi Commemoration Day, took place at Vahdat Hall in Tehran. Ambassadors and cultural representatives from ten countries, including Tajikistan, Sierra Leone, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Croatia, attended alongside scholars of Persian literature and Islamic mysticism.
Nizami’s Legacy in Persian Literature
Seyyed Abbas Salehi, one of the keynote speakers, highlighted Nizami’s unique approach to poetry. He explained that the poet successfully blended earthly love with divine love without overstepping the delicate boundaries between them. Salehi also noted that Nizami played a crucial role in Persian storytelling, distinguishing between fables and structured narratives.
“Hakim Nizami is a defining figure in Iran’s lyrical literature,” Salehi said. “His deep connection to Iranian history and culture is evident throughout his poetry, which celebrates myths, kings, and national identity.”
Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Nizomiddin Zohidi, also praised Nizami’s influence across Persian-speaking nations, including Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. He noted that Nizami’s work continues to strengthen cultural bonds in the region.
“Hakim Nizami was a master of wise and romantic tales,” Zohidi stated. “His ‘Khamsa’ (Five Treasures) remains an unmatched literary masterpiece, inspiring generations of poets from Iran to the Indian subcontinent.”
Global Influence and Ongoing Recognition
The President of the Society for the National Heritage of Iran announced that 27 provinces across Iran are hosting events to commemorate Nizami. Additionally, Iran’s cultural attachés abroad have organized similar programs.
Mahmoud Shalouei, another key speaker, noted the recent initiatives to honor Nizami, including the installation of his statue in Tehran’s Vanak Square and the publication of new books on his life and works. He also urged the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to support film projects that highlight Iran’s literary and historical figures.
Nizami’s Literary Contributions
Nizami Ganjavi, whose full name was Jamal al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn-Zakki, is regarded as the greatest romantic epic poet in Persian history. His poetry reflects deep knowledge of literature, astronomy, Islamic sciences, theology, and the Arabic language. His skillful use of imagery, metaphors, and vivid storytelling set him apart from his contemporaries.
His most famous work, “Khamsa” (Five Treasures), consists of five long narrative poems:
- “Makhzan al-Asrar” (The Treasury of Mysteries) – A philosophical and didactic work.
- “Khosrow and Shirin” – A romantic tale of the Sassanid king Khosrow Parviz and the Armenian princess Shirin.
- “Leily and Majnun” – A tragic love story, one of the most famous in Persian literature.
- “Haft Peykar” (The Seven Beauties) – A symbolic romance centered on Sassanid king Bahram Gur.
- “Eskandarnameh” (The Book of Alexander) – A poetic account of the life and adventures of Alexander the Great.
Nizami’s works have influenced countless poets and scholars, and his legacy remains a cornerstone of Persian literature worldwide.
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