SHIRAZ : POETS

Hafez lived in Shiraz from 1300 to 1389. His verses are well-known to all Iranians and, six centuries later, have still value as aphorisms. His extraordinary popularity is due to his simple and frequently discursive language. All Iranians have a copy of the Koran (Muslim Holly book) and also a copy of Hafez poems. His resting place is visited by many Iranians every year who come to make a donation, or a wish.

Sa’di died in 1291 at the age of 100. Unlike Hafez, Sa’di spent most of his life traveling the world. His poems are centered on his experiences as a traveler. He asked for the following inscription on his tomb: "From the tomb of Sa’di, son of Shiraz - the perfume of love escapes - thou shalt smell it still one thousand years after his death". The many Iranians who come to visit these gardens of rest briefly place two fingers on the flagstone of their poet as a gesture of tribute.

Back to Shiraz

Copyright © 2004 by Golnar Sajadi