Persian and Arabic Literary Communities in the Seventeenth Century

This book explores the interconnected literary communities of the seventeenth century, focusing on the migration of poets between Iran, India, and the Arabian Peninsula.

The book Persian and Arabic Literary Communities in the Seventeenth Century delves into the intricate web of commercial, political, and religious networks that flourished across the Arabian Sea during the seventeenth century. It highlights how merchants from South Asia engaged in trade at the ports of Yemen, while noblemen from Safavid Iran made their mark in the Mughal Empire. Additionally, scholars gathered in the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina to discuss and debate Islamic sciences, showcasing the vibrant cultural exchange of the time.

Through a detailed examination of over seventy previously unstudied manuscripts of Arabic and Persian poetry, the book reveals how migrant poets adapted their craft to foster connections with their new communities. By analyzing these poetic works, the author illustrates how shared forms, imagery, and rhetoric were employed to create a sense of belonging among diverse groups in various cities. The study also reconstructs the broader patterns of migration, focusing on the economic factors that drove over a thousand authors to relocate.

Persian and Arabic Literary Communities in the Seventeenth Century further explores six case studies that exemplify different literary communities within the circulatory system of the Arabian Sea. This exploration underscores the rich plurality of aesthetic movements during the seventeenth century, challenging the oversimplifications often perpetuated by later nationalistic narratives.