Three Underrated Persian-Speaking Poets Undiscovered Beyond Persian Borders

When discussing influential Persian poetry, names like Rumi and Hafez often come to mind. However, there are other poets whose works, while highly respected in their respective countries and communities, have not yet reached the international recognition they deserve. In this article, we will explore the works of three such poets: Simin Behbahani, Naseer Khusraw, and Bidel Dehlavi. Each of these poets brings unique perspectives to the world of Persian poetry, deserving more international attention.

Simin Behbahani: A Feminist Voice in Persian Poetry

Simin Behbahani is a prominent figure in modern Persian literature, known for her powerful and socially conscious poetry. While she is highly esteemed within Iran and among Persian-speaking literary circles, her work has not received as much international recognition as that of her male counterparts such as Rumi or Hafez.

Behbahani is often referred to as the 'Great Lament of Iran' (Qelet-e-ye Kargoosh-e-ye Iranshahr). Her poetry addresses several socio-political and feminist issues, bringing attention to the plight of women in Iran. This distinctive voice has not gained the same level of international recognition as the works of other Persian poets who focus more on mystical or traditional themes.

Another poet who might be considered underrated is Forough Farrokhzad. A modernist poet whose works explore themes of feminism, love, and existentialism, Farrokhzad has gained more recognition in recent years. However, her contributions to Persian poetry often overshadowed by more traditional figures. Her innovative use of language and the exploration of contemporary issues make her a significant figure in contemporary Persian literature.

Bidel Dehlavi: Rediscovering a Lost Treasure

A third poet who deserves more attention is Bidel Dehlavi. He is considered as one of the most prominent figures of the Indian style of Persian poetry, a style known for its rich use of imagery and figurative language, including metaphors, synecdoches, and other literary devices. This style was completely ignored in Iran until Shafi’i Kadkani rediscovered him about 30 years ago.

Indian style Persian poetry uses complex and evocative imagery, often making it difficult to understand for readers unfamiliar with this style. Iranians generally had a negative attitude towards Indian style, considering it unnatural and devoid of meaning. To counter this, they attempted to promote the Bazgasht style (Return style), which is a literary movement that aimed to return to the Khurasani and Iraqi styles of poetry. This movement sought to simplify and modernize Persian poetry, but it did not fully capture the beauty and creativity of the Indian style.

After Ehsan Yarshater published a revolutionary article in defense of Indian style, Iranian academics and scholars started to reconsider their attitude towards this style and see it for its real beauty and creativity. Bidel was rediscovered very soon by Shafi’i Kadkani. In the past, a lesson on Bidel was included in the Persian literature textbook of 12th grade in Iranian high schools, but it is now removed from the curriculum.

Interestingly, Bidel remains quite popular in Afghanistan and Central Asia, where he is as popular as, if not more so than, Hafez.

Nasir Khusraw: A Philosophical and Mystical Voice

Lastly, let us consider Nasir Khusraw, an Ismaili philosopher and poet who lived in the 11th century. While some of his works, such as Safarnama and Diwan, are widely known and respected, he is not as well-represented in the global literature discourse as Rumi or Hafez.

His neglect in the academic and literary circles is partly due to his affiliation with the Shia Ismaili Nizari traditions, which are not as dominant in Iran as the Twelver Shia tradition. Despite this, his contributions to Persian literature and philosophy remain significant. In fact, there is a street in Tehran named after him.

Nasir Khusraw’s work is not only a rich source of historical and cultural knowledge but also offers profound insights into the mystical and philosophical aspects of Persian thought. His unique perspective on life, ethics, and spirituality sets him apart and makes his works worthy of a wider audience.

These three poets—Simin Behbahani, Bidel Dehlavi, and Nasir Khusraw—represent the diversity and depth of Persian poetry beyond the acknowledged greats like Rumi and Hafez. Their works deserve more recognition and appreciation from the global literary community.