{"id":50178,"date":"2023-02-23T07:05:11","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T07:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=50178"},"modified":"2026-04-18T11:31:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T11:31:28","slug":"the-must-read-of-persian-literature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/","title":{"rendered":"Persian Literature: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Iran has rich literature, considered by many as one of the world\u2019s richest. What is even most surprising with Persian literature is that classics written under the old Persian empires are still central to nowadays\u2019 culture of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" title=\"Persian Literature: A Comprehensive Guide\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314-1024x512.jpeg\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"wp-image-57227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314-1024x512.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314-780x390.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314-768x384.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314-300x150.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-314.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting to know Persian literature is thus the first step toward a better understanding of today\u2019s Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#persian-literature-one-of-the-worlds-richest\" >Persian literature: one of the world\u2019s richest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#1-the-%e2%80%9cshahnameh%e2%80%9d-by-ferdowsi\" >1. The \u201cShahnameh\u201d, by Ferdowsi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#2-the-story-of-layli-and-majnun-by-nizami-ganjavi\" >2. The Story of Layli and Majnun, by Nizami Ganjavi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#1-the-divan-by-hafez\" >1. The Divan, by Hafez<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#2-bustan-and-golestan-by-saadi\" >2. Bustan and Golestan, by Saadi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#3-masnavi-and-divan-e-shams-by-rumi\" >3. Masnavi and Divan-e Shams, by Rumi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#4-conference-of-the-birds-by-farid-al-din-attar\" >4. Conference of the birds, by Farid al-Din Attar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/the-must-read-of-persian-literature\/#5-selected-poems-by-forough-farrokhzad\" >5. Selected Poems, by Forough Farrokhzad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-persian-literature-one-of-the-world-s-richest\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persian-literature-one-of-the-worlds-richest\"><\/span>Persian literature: one of the world\u2019s richest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Iran, everybody knows his or her classics. From the \u201cShahnameh\u201d, written in the 11<sup>th<\/sup> century to the works of popular modern writers, Iranians are very proud of their literacy tradition. And they have good reasons for that! Persian literature is considered one of the world\u2019s oldest and richest. Goethe himself named it one of the four main bodies of world literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the interesting aspects of <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/is-persian-a-difficult-language-to-learn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Persian literature<\/a> is that even old classics are accessible to contemporary readers. Indeed, Persian, unlike English and many other languages, hasn\u2019t changed much throughout the millenniums, meaning that today\u2019s readers can easily read and understand classical literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Persian literature has many specific features and characteristics, one of them being the importance of poetry. Persian poets have produced rich literature, often influenced by Sufism. <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/ferdowsis-mausoleum\/\" title=\"Tomb of Ferdowsi\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"92151\">Ferdowsi<\/a>, Rumi, Hafez and others have proven themselves masters of style and aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-the-shahnameh-by-ferdowsi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-the-%e2%80%9cshahnameh%e2%80%9d-by-ferdowsi\"><\/span>1. The \u201cShahnameh\u201d, by Ferdowsi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-1024x750.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-19610\" alt=\"-\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-1024x750.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-780x571.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-768x562.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-642x470.jpg 642w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-450x330.jpg 450w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002-705x516.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Demotte_Shahname_002.jpg 1386w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Scene from the demotte or &#8220;great mongol shahnameh&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cShahnameh\u201d (translated by \u201cBook of Kings\u201d) is considered <em>the<\/em> masterpiece of Persian literature. It is somehow what the Iliad and the Odyssey are to Greek literature and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cShahnameh\u201d is an epic poem that was written by the great poet Abolghasem Ferdowsi, during the 11<sup>th<\/sup> century. It took 30 years for Ferdowsi to write his masterpiece: a collection of 60.000 verses. Divided into three parts, the Book of Kings covers the whole history of Persia and its kings, in an epic and mythical way. Like epic tales of ancient Greek, the \u201cShahnameh\u201d explores the themes of courage, grief, tragic love, philosophy, and wars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It starts with the creation of the world, in the first volume; followed by the reign and great deeds of Persian kings in the second volume; and ends up with the story of the Arab invasion of Persia in the last volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ferdowsi\u2019s Book of Kings is credited with preserving the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/meet-surfiran-at-itb-india-2024-and-roadshow\/\" title=\"Meet SURFIRAN at ITB India 2024 and Roadshow\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"93613\">Persian language<\/a> and culture, following the Arab invasion. The original purpose of the \u201cShahnameh\u201d, commissioned by a Samanid king, was precisely to save Persian\u2019s history and legacy from being forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-50200\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" title=\"Tomb Of Ferdowsi\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi.jpg\" alt=\"Tomb Of Ferdowsi\" class=\"wp-image-50200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tomb-of-ferdowsi-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tomb of Ferdowai, Photo by: Sarah on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-the-story-of-layli-and-majnun-by-nizami-ganjavi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-the-story-of-layli-and-majnun-by-nizami-ganjavi\"><\/span>2. The Story of Layli and Majnun, by Nizami Ganjavi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Layli and Majnun is probably one of the most famous stories in Persian culture. A tragic love story, that has inspired people over centuries and continues to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"633\" height=\"1024\" title=\"Layla And Majnun\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-633x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Layla And Majnun\" class=\"wp-image-57231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-633x1024.jpg 633w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-618x1000.jpg 618w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-768x1242.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-291x470.jpg 291w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2-185x300.jpg 185w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Layla_and_Majnun2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cThe fainting of Laylah and Majnun\u201d This folio depicts a well-known passage from the tragic story of Layla and Majnun described in the third book of Nizami&#8217;s &#8220;Khamsah&#8221; (Quintet). Forcibly separated by their respective tribes&#8217; animosity, forced marriage, and years of exile into the wilderness, these two ill-fated lovers meet again for the last time before their deaths thanks to the intervention of Majnun&#8217;s elderly messenger. This particular painting appears to have been executed at the same time as the text of the &#8220;Khamsah&#8221; proper, which survives on the painting&#8217;s verso. Script: nasta&#8217;liq Dimensions of Painting: Recto: 12.2 (w) x 16.7 (h) cm Dimensions of Written Surface: 12.2 (w) x 20.9 (h) cm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Story of Layli and Majnun\u201d is an epic poem written by Nizami Ganjavi during the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century. The poet was inspired by an ancient Arab tale, already known in Persia in the 9<sup>th<\/sup> century. The lovers are even mentioned by the famous poet Rudaki. But it\u2019s Nizami that truly popularized this dramatic love story that is intended as an allegory for God\u2019s quest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nizami\u2019s poem recalls the lives of Layla and Qays, which is called Majnun, which means someone possessed or wild. The two fell in love at a young age but their families reject their union. Eventually, Layli is married to another man, and Majnun recluses himself to write verses about his love for Layli. The intensity and obsession for his lovers are what owes him the name of Majnun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-the-divan-by-hafez\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-the-divan-by-hafez\"><\/span>1. The Divan, by Hafez<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"655\" height=\"1024\" title=\"Divan Of Hafez\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-655x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Divan Of Hafez\" class=\"wp-image-57232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-655x1024.jpg 655w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-639x1000.jpg 639w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-768x1201.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-301x470.jpg 301w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez-192x300.jpg 192w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DivanofHafez.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">First page of the manuscript of Hafez Shirazi&#8217;s Divan. Preserved in the Treasury of the National Library and Museum of Malek, Tehran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even if poetry would deserve a separate listing, no article about Iranian literature would be complete without <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/why-hafez-is-so-important-to-iranians\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hafez, the most famous Persian poet<\/a>. Born in 1325, Hafez was a prolific writer that left his footprint in the world of poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cDivan\u201d is a book containing all his poems (about 500), most of which are written in ghazals, and that has been translated into many languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-bustan-and-golestan-by-saadi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-bustan-and-golestan-by-saadi\"><\/span>2. Bustan and Golestan, by Saadi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"673\" title=\"Persian Literature: A Comprehensive Guide\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"wp-image-57233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68-780x525.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68-698x470.jpg 698w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-68-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The \u201cBustan\u201d and the \u201cGolestan\u201d are the two major works of Saadi, one of the most influential Persian poets from the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century. The \u201cBustan\u201d, Saadi\u2019s first work, is a 10-chapter book that deals with the poet\u2019s philosophical reflections on life and wisdom. It is considered one of the 100 greatest books of all time by the Bokklubben World Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cGolestan\u201d, written a year after, also is a collection of Saadi\u2019s poems, giving moral and life advice, in particular for the rulers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-masnavi-and-divan-e-shams-by-rumi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-masnavi-and-divan-e-shams-by-rumi\"><\/span>3. Masnavi and Divan-e Shams, by Rumi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"418\" height=\"600\" title=\"Divan E Shams\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shams_ud-Din_Tabriz_1502-1504_BNF_Paris.jpg\" alt=\"Divan E Shams\" class=\"wp-image-57234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shams_ud-Din_Tabriz_1502-1504_BNF_Paris.jpg 418w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shams_ud-Din_Tabriz_1502-1504_BNF_Paris-327x470.jpg 327w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shams_ud-Din_Tabriz_1502-1504_BNF_Paris-209x300.jpg 209w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A page of a copy circa 1503 of the Divan-i Shams-i Tabrizi. For details, see: <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/qom-atiq-mosque\/\" title=\"Qom Atiq Mosque\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"92917\">Rumi<\/a> ghazal 163.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Alongside Hafez, Ferdowsi and Saadi, Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi, known as Rumi, is one of the most influential Persian poets. His works are gathered into two main books: The \u201cMasnavi\u201d and the \u201cDivan-e Shams-e Tabrizi\u201d. As a Sufi poet, Rumi\u2019s poetry mostly explores the philosophical themes of love and desire for God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-conference-of-the-birds-by-farid-al-din-attar\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-conference-of-the-birds-by-farid-al-din-attar\"><\/span>4. Conference of the birds, by Farid al-Din Attar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"723\" height=\"1024\" title=\"The Conference Of The Birds\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar-723x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The Conference Of The Birds\" class=\"wp-image-57235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar-723x1024.jpg 723w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar-706x1000.jpg 706w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar-332x470.jpg 332w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/the_Concourse_of_the_Birds-attar.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Scene from The Conference of the Birds in a <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/miniature\/\" title=\"Persian Miniature: A Deep Dive into the Artistic Heart of Iranian Heritage\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"779\">Persian miniature<\/a>. The hoopoe, center right, instructs the other birds on the Sufi path.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The work of Farid al-Din Attar is a classic of Persian literature that also deserves to be mentioned. Along with Rumi and Sa\u2019adi, Attar was a mystical poet from the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century. His \u201cConference of the birds\u201d is an allegorical poem written in 4500 lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It tells the story of a conference led by all the birds to find a good ruler. The story is meant to lead the reader through a spiritual quest, as an allegory of the soul\u2019s search for mystical guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-selected-poems-by-forough-farrokhzad\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-selected-poems-by-forough-farrokhzad\"><\/span>5. Selected Poems, by Forough Farrokhzad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"604\" height=\"342\" title=\"Persian Literature: A Comprehensive Guide\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-69.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"wp-image-57236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-69.jpg 604w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-69-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-69-390x220.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persian-poetrys-impact-on-iran\/\" title=\"Persian Poetry&#8217;s Impact on Iran: Culture, Politics, and Beyond\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"3951\">Poetry in Iran<\/a> is not something that is limited to ancient Persia. Many modern poets have honored the literacy tradition of Iran, among which Forough Farrokhzad, one of the most famous modern poets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her poems published in the 1950 and 1960s, she talks openly about many topics that were (and still are, to some extent) taboos, such as politics, sexuality, and the place of women in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-reading-lolita-in-tehran-by-azar-nafisi\">1. Reading Lolita in Tehran, by Azar Nafisi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azar Nafisi\u2019s memoir is a striking book from the post-revolution period. It recalls the true story of Nafisi, a teacher at the University of <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/tehran-travel-guide\/\" title=\"Tehran\">Tehran<\/a>, which refused to obey the newly implemented Islamic laws and eventually resigned. In 1995, and for two years, Azar Nafisi had a secret and illegal book club, gathering seven of her best students to read forbidden Western literature.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Azar Nafisi\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Azar Nafisi\" class=\"wp-image-57237\" style=\"width:793px;height:529px\" width=\"793\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Azar-Nafisi.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Azar Nafisi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The students and Nafisi would read Nabokov, but also Austen, Fitzgerald, and other Western authors. These books, and in particular Lolita, are used to make a parallel between the reality of these young girls\u2019 lives under the new political regime. Their readings, but also the events that take place in between, are opportunities for the author to go beyond the literary critic and tackle social and political events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Published in 2003, \u201cReading Lolita in Tehran\u201d was on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-my-uncle-napoleon-by-iraj-pezeshkzad\">2. My Uncle Napoleon, by Iraj Pezeshkzad<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"\u201cMy Uncle Napoleon\u201d, Written By Iraj Pzezshkzad In\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/My-Uncle-Napoleon-written-by-Iraj-Pzezshkzad-in-1973.webp\" alt=\"\u201cMy Uncle Napoleon\u201d, Written By Iraj Pzezshkzad In\" class=\"wp-image-57238\" style=\"width:598px;height:797px\" width=\"598\" height=\"797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/My-Uncle-Napoleon-written-by-Iraj-Pzezshkzad-in-1973.webp 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/My-Uncle-Napoleon-written-by-Iraj-Pzezshkzad-in-1973-750x1000.webp 750w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/My-Uncle-Napoleon-written-by-Iraj-Pzezshkzad-in-1973-353x470.webp 353w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/My-Uncle-Napoleon-written-by-Iraj-Pzezshkzad-in-1973-225x300.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cMy Uncle Napoleon\u201d, written by Iraj Pzezshkzad in 1973<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy Uncle Napoleon\u201d, written by Iraj Pzezshkzad in 1973, is a unique and entertaining piece of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/modern-persian-prose-literature\/\" title=\"Modern Persian Prose Literature: A Journey Through Iran&#8217;s Literary Renaissance\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"3950\">Iranian literature<\/a>. The story revolves around \u201cdear uncle Napoleon\u201d (Daei Jan Napoleon), the leader of an aristocratic Iranian family. Taking place during the second world war, Uncle Napoleon appears as an overly suspicious man, always willing to see British-led conspiracy as an excuse for what\u2019s going wrong in his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The book, adapted to a popular TV miniseries, funnily points out some traits of Iranian families and society. It also introduces the reader to a variety of Iranian traditions, in a sweet and funny way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-suvashun-by-simin-daneshvar\">3. Suvashun, by Simin Daneshvar<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Savushun\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-662x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Savushun\" class=\"wp-image-57240\" style=\"width:613px;height:948px\" width=\"613\" height=\"948\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-662x1024.jpg 662w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-647x1000.jpg 647w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-768x1187.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-994x1536.jpg 994w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-304x470.jpg 304w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/savushun.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Published in 1969, \u201cSavushun\u201d is a novel that portrays the struggles of an Iranian family in the pre-revolution era. The story takes place in Shiraz, under the occupation of Iran by the Allied during the second world war. The narrator is a young wife and mother that is torn between the traditions of society and the changes she aspires to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSavushun\u201d was a best-seller for many years in Iran and was translated into 18 languages. The author, Simin Daneshvar, is the first Iranian female novelist and is still considered today one of Iran\u2019s best fiction writers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;50178&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;6&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;5\\\/5 - (6 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;16&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Persian Literature: A Comprehensive Guide&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;102.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 102.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 16px; height: 16px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\">\n            5\/5 - (6 votes)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Persian literature, with its rich history and diverse range of works, has played an important role in shaping the cultural identity of Iran.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":50194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[306,305],"tags":[15593,15555],"class_list":["post-50178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-how-to","tag-persian-culture","tag-persian-language"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/persian-literature.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50178"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":126032,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50178\/revisions\/126032"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}