Shams al-Din Mohammad ibn Ibrahim Attar of Nishapur (born around 1141 CE in Nishapur – died around 1228 CE there), better known as Attar, was a renowned Iranian poet, mystic, and writer during the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Boraq Hamim’s artistic news site : He is recognized as one of the greatest mystical and didactic poets in Persian literature, leaving behind a rich collection of works in various forms including مثنوی (مثنوی: masnavi, a rhyming couplet poem), غزل (ghazal, a lyrical poem), قصیده (qasida, a long ode), رباعی (rubai, a quatrain), biographies, and accounts of Sufi figures.
Life
Precise details about Attar’s life are scarce. Some sources claim his birthplace to be the village of Kadkan near Nishapur, while others believe he was born in Nishapur itself. In his youth, Attar dedicated himself to acquiring knowledge, becoming proficient in various disciplines such as medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and mysticism. He also embarked on extensive travels across the world, visiting regions like India, Iraq, and Syria, where he encountered Sufis and Sufi masters.
Works
Attar’s legacy includes a diverse collection of works in various forms, including مثنوی (masnavi), غزل (ghazal), قصیده (qasida), رباعی (rubai), biographies, and accounts of Sufi figures. His most famous work is Manțiq al-Ṭayr (The Conference of the Birds) or Haft Awrang (The Seven Cities of Love), a long narrative poem illustrating the stages of the Sufi path and the search for truth. Other notable works of Attar include Asrar Nama (The Book of Mysteries), Tadhkirat al-Awliya (Memorial of the Saints), Musibat Nameh (The Book of Tribulations), Elahi Nama (The Book of God), and Khalwat Nama (The Book of Seclusion).
Influence
Attar stands as one of the most influential poets and mystics in the history of Persian literature. His poems and works are brimming with wisdom, knowledge, and mystical thought, profoundly impacting generations of poets and writers who followed him. مولانا جلالالدین رومی (Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi), another giant of Persian mystical poetry, is one such prominent figure deeply influenced by Attar.
Stature and Recognition
Attar holds a special place of respect and admiration among Iranians and Persian speakers worldwide. He is revered as one of the greatest mystical and didactic poets in the history of Persian literature, and his works are considered invaluable treasures of Persian culture and literature.
Tomb
Attar’s tomb is located six kilometers west of Nishapur, close to the tomb of Omar Khayyam. The tomb was built during the Timurid era and underwent a complete restoration during the reign of Pahlavi II.
Resource
Wikipedia
English website unavailable for The Institute of Ismaili Studies: Attar of Nishapur
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