Quotation and Allusion to Poetry in the Works of Bastani Parizi

Abstract

In contrast to most historical books, which are often characterized by a cold and heavy prose, the majority of Bastani Parizi’s historical writings are replete with anecdotes, proverbs, stories, and poems, making the texts more accessible and enjoyable for the reader. Poetry can be considered a form of artistic creativity that continuously adopts new frameworks throughout different eras, addresses a particular audience, and is composed by poets for a specific group of recipients. From its very inception and among all peoples, poetry has been intrinsically linked with meter, and in no language is unmetered speech considered poetry. However, the significance of meter is not equally valued across all nations and cultures. Poetry constitutes an inseparable part of Bastani Parizi’s pen and intellectual framework. Not only was he himself a poet, but he also possessed mastery over the treasures of both Persian and Arabic literature. Thus, when necessary, he utilized poetic references in his historical writings. In other words, the language of Bastani Parizi in crafting historical texts is intertwined with poetry. Given that poetry and humor were the two dominant literary devices favored by Bastani Parizi in his historiography, he typically inserted a verse from Persian poets into his historical narratives depending on the topic, and regarded humor in historiography as akin to sugar alongside bitter coffee. Some of the significant functions of poetry in Bastani Parizi’s historical analyses include: establishing connections between history and politics, linking society to social issues, the use of satire, and even illuminating crucial aspects of historical events such as place, time, and human experience—particularly issues related to women.