iran - Culture - Persian language - Poetry
Picture of calligraphic]] style called "shekasteh".
century calligraphic style called "shekasteh".]]
Picture of Kelileh va Demneh Persian manuscript copy dated 1429, from Herat, depicts the Jackal trying to lead the Lion astray.
[va Demneh.jpg
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Persian poetry is recognized worldwide and has served as an inspiration for writers and poets around the world. Iran's literary tradition is rich and diverse, However only a few names such as Rumi and Omar Khayam have surfaced among western popular readership, even though the likes of Hafez and Saadi are considered by many Iranians to be just as influential. Both Hafez and Rumi, for example were practitioners of Sufism, and are quoted by Iranians with passion.
So strong is the Persian aptitude for versifying everyday expressions that one can encounter poetry in almost every classical work, whether from Persian literature, science, or metaphysics. For example, almost half of Avicenna's medical writings are known to be versified. Works of the early era of Persian poetry are characterized by strong court patronage, an extravagance of panegyrics, and what is known as سبک فاخر ("exalted in style").
_"Love’s nationality is separate from all other religions,_
_The lover’s religion and nationality is the Beloved (God)._
_The lover’s cause is separate from all other causes_ .
_Love is the astrolabe of God’s mysteries"_ .—Rumi. __
همه عالم تن است و ایران دل
نیست گوینده زین قیاس خجل
"Iran is the Heart and all the universe, The Body,
Of this claim, the poet feels no regret or humility."
—Nizami
بنى آدم اعضاء يک پیکرند
که در آفرينش ز يک گوهرند
چو عضوى بدرد آورد روزگار
دگر عضوها را نماند قرار
"Of one Essence is the human race
thus has Creation put the base,
One Limb impacted is sufficient
For all Others to feel the Mace." —Saadi Inscribed on the entrance of United Nations' Hall of Nations