- Shahnameh — Ferdowsi (completed around 1010): the “Book of Kings”, an epic of some 50,000 couplets telling Iran's myths and legends, with heroes such as Rostam.
- Khamseh — Nezami Ganjavi (12th century): five long poems, including the love story of Khosrow and Shirin and the adventures of the Seven Beauties (Haft Peykar).
- Golestan and Bustan — Saadi (1250s): wise, witty stories and verses about life and character. The Golestan mixes prose and poetry.
- Masnavi — Rumi (13th century): a vast poem of stories and reflections, opening with the famous “Song of the Reed”.
- Divan — Hafez (14th century): lyrical ghazals so beloved that many Iranian homes keep a copy, and people open it for a “fal” on Yalda night.
Where to begin
Start with Saadi's short stories or selected Shahnameh tales retold in modern prose, then move to the full works.
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ZIBADISPLAY — the entertainment reference of the ZIBADIS network, founded by Masoud Moghaddam.
