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Khosrow and Shirin - Book by Nizami Ganjavi

Name: Khosrow and Shirin
Author: Nizami Ganjavi

Khosrow and Shirin, a 12th-century Persian epic by Nizami Ganjavi, is part of his Khamsa. This lyrical poem tells the romantic tale of Sasanian king Khosrow Parvez and Armenian princess Shirin, blending history and myth. Khosrow, a passionate but flawed ruler, falls for Shirin through tales of her beauty, sparking a turbulent love story. Obstacles include Khosrow’s prior marriage, Shirin’s loyalty, and the tragic fate of Farhad, a rival suitor. Nizami’s vivid verse, rich with rhyme and metaphor, explores love, sacrifice, and female agency, with Shirin’s intelligence shaping the narrative. The lovers briefly unite before Khosrow’s murder and Shirin’s subsequent death. Comparable to Romeo and Juliet, the poem reflects Persian cultural values and literary traditions, influencing later works.

Original Language: Persian

Original Title: خسرو و شيرين

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