By : Sujal Bamal

ABSTRACT

Brimming with traditions as old as time, magnificent artistry and astounding philosophical depth, the Persian culture is a diorama of creativity and beauty of the human mind. The rich influence of the Iranian culture evades borders and inspires individuals across the world, be it finding comfort in the verses of Rumi to being enamoured by the intricate motifs of the Persian textiles. The Persian heritage stands resilient in the era of globalisation, where cultures sometimes get overshadowed by themes of modernity, and it continues to impact ideas of love, aesthetic, beauty and expression of self. 

The Legacy of Love and Poetry

Love exudes from Persian literature, and moves anyone who is fortunate enough to be familiar with both the feelings of love and the literary works of the famous Persian writers and poets. The beauty is in the language itself, adorned with luscious vocabulary and euphonious rhythm, creating verses that are still as relevant as ever. Poets like Rumi, Saadi, Hafez and Khayyam profoundly affect the global thought. Modern authors like Coleman Barks and Daniel Ladinsky, who adopted their wisdom, have propagated the Iranian poets in their respective writings and translations. Barks’s translations of Rumi’s works have played a significant role in popularizing Rumi’s poetry in the West. Ladinsky’s renderings of Hafez’s poetry (The Gift) have made Persian mysticism accessible to modern readers.

Persian literature would be incomplete without acknowledging, perhaps, one of the most revered poets not just in Persia but worldwide, Jalal al-Din Rumi, who explored themes of love and God with immense depth. Longing and spirituality often drive most of Rumi’s works and have since grounded themselves in Western pop-culture, from leading meditational teachings and discussions on philosophy to finding mentions in wedding vows. Deeply engraved with philosophies of Sufism, Rumi preaches unity and abandoning of the ego which deeply resonates with modern spiritualists. 

Offering a somewhat intricate and a mystical perspective to love, is Hafez whose ghazals rich with metaphors of gardens, wine and nightingales serve as a guide to love, divinity and fate. His collected works, Divan-e-Hafez, is often looked at for guidance in contemporary Iran, not unlike bibliomancy, depicting how the Persians still blend the actual experiences of love with poetry. 

The Persian culture serves as a reminder that love is more than just an emotion, it’s an art form that significantly influences how feelings of love and devotion are perceived and professed in the modern world. 

The Beauty and Philosophy of Art

Persian art is a form of expression that speaks a language of divine order, beautiful symmetries and floral motifs. Be it grand architectural wonders or miniature paintings and textile designing, Persian art is deeply embedded with elegance and timeless intricacies. 

Picturizing poetic or historical narratives, the miniature paintings from the Persian culture are a fine work of refinement and details. A visual of bold colours and strong detailing, these paintings reject realism for symbolism and idealised depictions. Similarly, the Persian architecture boasts aesthetically pleasing geometric patterns, calligraphic writing and high-ceilinged domes, philosophising the inseparability of art and spirituality. 

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) or Isfahan’s Shah Mosque are more than just places of worship but also a dedication to aesthetic visions. The artistic principles behind these structures have weaved themselves into the modern architecture and have influenced architectural thought globally. The façade of Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris features mashrabiya – inspired mechanical apertures that adjust to control light, similar to the way stained glass interacts with sunlight in the Pink Mosque. 

Perhaps the most globally acknowledged legacy of Persian art is carpet weaving. The carpet weaving encapsulates narratives, traditions, skilled craftsmanship and cultural identity. The carpets often disclose stories of love, devotion and the natural world and hold vast importance in contemporary design and are mostly found in royal palaces, museums and homes of all who appreciate art. 

The Philosophy and Culture of the Modern World

The Persian culture has also contributed to shaping modern philosophy and thought. Proving to be foundational to Eastern and Western traditions is the works of Avicenna (Ibn Sina) in the field of medicine and philosophy. His work explored themes of consciousness, human soul and metaphysics and is the basis of many discussions about contemporary psychology and philosophy. 

Rumi and Hafez have also emphasised on viewing life as a journey and not a destination and seeing beyond the apparent reality, which speaks to those searching for meaning in their quick-paced life. Additionally, the cultural values of Sabir (patience) and Tavakkul (trust in the divine) have guided the Iranians through years of political and social uprisings and are just as relevant to anyone faced with uncertainty. The Persian culture is dynamic and is constantly reimagined by Iranians and everyone across the world. By way of example, the musical creations of Kayhan Kalhor and other contemporary Persian artists mix traditional music with modern influences and Iranian filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi bring storytelling practices from Persia to the global stage. Persian culture is a living, ever-evolving entity, constantly shaped by contemporary influences.

Particularly, Iranian cinema has been critically acclaimed after garnering international audience and winning numerous accolades for its direction and production. Persian filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami and Majid Majidi have brought the nuances of Persian storytelling to the forefront where metaphor, poetry and moral dilemmas are blended with everyday instances. Furthermore, the common themes of Persian films – love, exile, justice and strength are universal which allows people from all parts of the world and all walks of life to engage with the culture on a personal level. 

Even in the world of fashion and couture, the Persian vision of aesthetics has rooted itself. The motifs native to the culture make an appearance on the runway, in the jewellery and in the world of interior designing globally as artists around the world draw their inspiration from the Persian culture. Dolce & Gabbana’s Abaya Collection included Persian and Islamic-inspired floral motifs and calligraphic elements in their designs. Etro’s Fall/Winter 2019 Collection featured Persian paisley (boteh) patterns, a signature Persian motif that has influenced Western fashion for centuries.

The Timelessness of Persian Culture

The Persian culture is not a historical antiquity but a vibrant force that inspires and mesmerises the rest of the world. In a world of materialistic supremacy and fleeting rendezvous, Persian literature continues to revive the complex emotions of love and beauty. The poetry moves the soul, art reflects the presence of divinity and philosophies enable self-reflection, such is the culture of Iran, an ode to the heart and mind, the body and the soul and all five senses in humans. 

As long as people feel love, create art and seek wisdom, the Persian culture will hold immense value in the contemporary world.

About the Author

Sujal is a student at O.P Jindal Global University, currently pursuing his undergraduate studies in Law. In pursuit of excellence in storytelling, he constantly strives to explore new avenues in the global political sphere. A background in commerce studies helps him connect the dots between uncertainty and reality which he hopes to reveal through his passion for writing. 

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