In Our Time Nizami Ganjavi
38 snips
Jan 2, 2025 
Christine van Ruymbeke, a Persian literature expert from Cambridge, Narguess Farzad, a senior lecturer on Persian studies, and Dominic Parviz Brookshaw, a professor at Oxford, delve into the life and works of Nizami Ganjavi. They discuss his epic poems in 'Khamsa', highlighting the tragic love stories of Khosrow and Shirin and Layla and Majnun. The conversation also reveals Nizami's portrayal of strong female characters and his mastery of weaving philosophy and art, showcasing his enduring impact on Persian literature and culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Nizami's Audience and Reach
- Nizami Ganjavi, a 12th-century Persian poet, wrote for local elites in the Caucasus.
- He achieved global success because he wrote in New Persian, the elite literary language.
Cultural Influences in Nizami's Work
- Nizami Ganjavi's works reflected the diverse cultural landscape of the Caucasus, including Christian characters like Shirin.
- This diversity is showcased in his narratives, which explore complex themes and relationships.
The *Hamza*: Nizami's Quintet
- Nizami's Hamza (Quintet) comprises five epic poems, including romances and philosophical narratives.
- Notably, it includes a retelling of the love story of Khosrow and Shirin and the legend of Layla and Majnun.