Iranian poet Attar commemorated
Every year, a number of literati, scholars and people gather at the mausoleum of the Persian poet, mystic, and philosopher Attar of Nishapur to mark National Day of Attar, which was on April 13.
On the reconciliation of classic poets and new generation, poet and literary researcher Reza Esmaeili emphasized the need to update classic poetry, saying, “If we translate Attar’s poetry into today’s language, people will communicate with its creations better.”
Iranian composer and orchestra conductor Farhad Fakhreddini announced the completion of his latest work, ‘Simorgh Collection’ based on Attar’s ‘Manteq-ot-Tayr’ (The Conference of the Birds).
He made the announcement on April 13, which coincides with National Day of Attar on the Iranian calendar.
He said he began writing this collection three years ago, considering his enduring affinity and collaboration with his heritage and his profound respect for classical literature.
He described “Attar as a well-known figure in our literature, renowned for his sweet and pleasant poetry, with ‘The Conference of the Birds’ undoubtedly being Attar’s finest work and I decided to select excerpts from his poems and start the music composition process.”
Known by his pen name Farid-oddin Attar Nishapuri, the prominent Iranian poet was born in 1142 and died at the age of 75 in Nishapur, in northeastern Khorasan Razavi Province, during the Mongol invasion of Iran.
Attar is one of the most famous mystic poets of Iran. His works were the inspiration of Rumi, Hafiz, and Jami, and many other mystic poets.
Attar is the author of numerous books and works of literature, most important of which are ‘Tazkerat al-Owliya’ (Biographies of the Saints), ‘Manteq-ot-Tayr’, ‘Asrar Nameh’, ‘Elahi Nameh’, and ‘Mokhtar Nameh’.