Firdavsi

Firdavsi (Persian: فردوسی [ferdowˈsiː]), also spelled Ferdowsi, was the pen name of Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi (ابوالقاسم فردوسی طوسی), a highly revered Persian poet widely regarded as the national poet of Iran and the Persian language. He is celebrated for authoring the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), the world's longest epic poem written by a single poet.

Firdavsi was born around 940 CE in Tus, a city in the Khorasan region of Persia (present-day Iran). He dedicated much of his life, approximately thirty years, to the composition of the Shahnameh. The poem chronicles the history of Persia from mythical creation to the Arab conquest in the 7th century CE. It draws upon oral traditions, historical accounts, and pre-Islamic Persian mythology to create a cohesive and influential narrative.

The Shahnameh is not only significant for its length and literary merit but also for its impact on Persian language and culture. Firdavsi's work is credited with helping to preserve and revitalize the Persian language at a time when Arabic was gaining prominence. He deliberately chose to use mostly pure Persian vocabulary, minimizing Arabic loanwords.

Firdavsi died around 1020 CE in Tus. Despite facing financial difficulties and occasional royal neglect during his lifetime, his legacy as a literary giant has only grown over time. The Shahnameh remains a cornerstone of Persian literature and a vital source of Persian national identity, mythology, and cultural values. Firdavsi's tomb in Tus is a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of Iranian pride. His work continues to be studied and celebrated around the world.