1.
Ferdowsi's Shahnameh (The Book of Kings):
"A long time has passed, and the cycle of change keeps everyone engaged in
innovations and retrogressions. Since the champions and kings of old are no more, in
everyone's heart, the greatest dynasty and bravery is seen as that of Tootiya."
2. Hafez's Divan
In English: "As long as you lack wisdom and advice in the presence of your moon, come
with the hair of Solomon's queen because your hair has arrived in the curl of the
peacock."
3. Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat:
In English: "O silent one, rise from the earth step by step, so we may rise from the earth.
There was no well for the earthworm, from behind us, we will rise from that."
4. Saadi's Gulistan (The Rose Garden
In English: "One must view humans through the eyes of the virtuous, for virtue is with
the virtuous, and virtue is seen through their eyes. Just as a thread finds its way through
a wooden bead, the virtuous bring the wicked to light."
5. Attar's Mantiq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds):
In English: "Whoever has journeyed from the path of the heart and is satisfied with the
world, the heart will not find a place for itself in sorrow. When one covers their head
with the shadow of an excuse, they remain asleep, just like a shadow until it disappears."
These examples showcase the richness and diversity of Persian prose, from epic tales to
philosophical and poetic reflections.
The history of Persian prose is rich and extensive, spanning over a millennium. Persian
prose has evolved through various periods and literary movements, influenced by
cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. Here is an overview of the history of Persian
prose:
1. Classical Persian Prose (9th to 13th centuries): The earliest known Persian prose texts
date back to the 9th century. During this period, Persian prose was strongly influenced
by Arabic literature, as Arabic was the dominant literary language in the region. The
Persian prose of this era included translations of Arabic texts, commentaries on religious
and philosophical subjects, and works on administrative and scientific topics. Notable
figures from this period include Ibn Sina (Avicenna), whose medical and philosophical
works were written in Persian, and Al-Farabi, who also contributed to Persian
philosophical prose.
2. New Persian Prose (13th to 15th centuries): The 13th century marks a turning point in
the development of Persian prose, as the Persian language began to assert its
independence from Arabic influence. This era saw the emergence of classical Persian
prose as we know it today. Prominent figures from this period include Rumi, whose
"Masnavi" is a masterpiece of mystical and philosophical prose, and Saadi, known for his
prose works like "Gulistan."
3. Safavid Period (16th to 18th centuries): During the Safavid dynasty, Persian prose
flourished, and it became the language of literature, culture, and administration in
Persia. The Safavid era saw the development of historical chronicles, travelogues, and
various forms of prose poetry. Notable authors include Ismail I, who composed a divan
of poetry, and Abbas Mirza, who wrote an influential travelogue.
4. Qajar Period (18th to 20th centuries): The Qajar dynasty marked a period of
continued growth in Persian prose. The 19th century witnessed the emergence of
journalism, with the publication of newspapers and magazines. This era also saw the rise
of modern literary prose, with authors like Mirza Fath Ali Akhundzadeh and Mirza
Malkom Khan contributing to the development of political and social commentary.
5. Contemporary Persian Prose (20th century onwards): Persian prose in the 20th and
21st centuries has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing social and political
landscape. Prominent contemporary Persian prose authors include Sadegh Hedayat,
Sadeq Chubak, Simin Daneshvar, and Shahrnush Parsipur. They have explored a wide
range of themes, from social and political issues to philosophical and existential
reflections.
Throughout its history, Persian prose has embraced a wide variety of genres, including
fiction, essays, philosophical treatises, and historical chronicles. The language itself has
also evolved, adapting to the changing linguistic and cultural landscape. Persian prose
remains a vital component of Persian literature and continues to inspire writers and
readers worldwide.
