Mahsati

Mahsati, also known as Mahsati Ganjavi (Persian: مهستی گنجوی), was a 12th-century Persian poet, known for her rubaiyat (quatrains). Born in Ganja (modern-day Azerbaijan), then part of the Seljuk Empire, Mahsati's life is shrouded in legend and her poems often explore themes of love, pleasure, and skepticism towards religious hypocrisy.

While biographical details are scarce and often embellished in anecdotes, Mahsati is considered one of the earliest female Persian poets whose works have survived. Accounts depict her as a talented musician and singer who frequented the courts of Seljuk rulers. These stories often portray her as an independent and unconventional figure, challenging societal norms through her poetry and lifestyle.

Her poetry, typically short and epigrammatic, is characterized by its directness, wit, and sensuality. Although attributed to her, discerning authentic verses from those later ascribed to her by copyists and compilers remains a challenge for scholars. Her influence on later Persian literature is undeniable, and she is celebrated as a significant voice in the history of women's writing in the Persian-speaking world. Different sources provide varying accounts regarding her given name, with some suggesting it was Khadija, while Mahsati was a pen name or honorific title meaning "Great Lady." The spelling of her name can also vary, including forms such as "Mahasti."