Remembering ?Umar Khayyam

Arash Ghajarjazi

Format
Hardback
Publisher
De Gruyter
Country
DE
Published
14 March 2025
Pages
430
ISBN
9783111617077

Remembering ?Umar Khayyam

Arash Ghajarjazi

This book explores the Persian sage ?Umar Khayyam and the globally renowned quatrains (Rubaiyat) attributed to him from a new angle. These quatrains have unleashed responses from Sufis and Islamic theologians, fostering secular thought in the Persianate world. From the early 12th century to the present, ?Umar Khayyam's persona has been a source of inspiration for various literate communities. This monograph addresses an undesirable gap in Khayyam scholarship by re-examining the reception of his quatrains within a changing collective memory. It investigates a wide range of texts and objects, including Sufi texts, chronicles, mystical poetry anthologies, memorial monuments, Victorian illustrations, and modern periodicals. The focus is on how the remembrance of Khayyam has contributed to the formation of a secular intellectual tradition in modern Iran. The book argues for a re-conceptualisation of Khayyam as a nexus of Sufi literature, memory, and secularity. Additionally, it critically examines traditional scholarship on Khayyam's biography and the debates regarding the authenticity of his quatrains. This work aims to connect scholars of Sufism Studies, memory studies, and Persian and Islamic Studies.

Order online and we’ll ship when available (14 March 2025)

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.