TEHRAN -- In honor of Abulfazl Beyhaqi, known as the father of Persian prose, a 900-year-old Qur’anic manuscript attributed to the renowned historian and writer has been unveiled in Sabzevar, northeast Iran.
The unveiling, organized by the Astan Quds Razavi, took place in an event titled the 14th International Conference on Abulfazl Beyhaqi and Interdisciplinary Persian Prose Studies.
The unveiling saw participation from officials, scholars, and experts in Persian culture and literature at the Hakim Sabzevari University.
Speaking about the event, Abolfazl Hasanabadi, director of the Manuscripts Center of the Astan Quds Razavi, said, “Abulfazl Muhammad ibn Husayn Beyhaqi was a prominent Persian prose writer and historian. His most famous work, Tarikh-e Beyhaqi (Beyhaqi’s History), remains one of the most significant contributions to Persian literature.”
Hasanabadi noted that the Astan Quds Razavi’s library houses 16 ancient Qur’anic manuscripts attributed to Beyhaqi, though they were donated after his death in 1131 CE (525 AH). “These Qur’anic manuscripts are invaluable treasures,” he added.
Hasanabadi said the manuscript has an inscription in its endowment document: “Donated by Sheikh al-Amiid al-Ajal Sayyid Muwaffaq al-Din Rashid al-Dawla Abu’l-Fazl Muhammad ibn Husayn Beyhaqi to the shrine of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha in Muharram, 525 AH.”
The 14th International Conference on Abulfazl Beyhaqi and Interdisciplinary Persian Prose Studies, running from October 21 to 24, featured various workshops and academic discussions.
Bayhaqi is best known for his detailed historical work, Tarikh-i Bayhaqi. Born in the Bayhaq district of northeastern Iran, Bayhaqi served as a secretary in the Ghaznavid court, where he meticulously documented the reign of Sultan Mas’ud I, among other events.
Bayhaqi’s historical accounts are highly regarded for their comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the Ghaznavid era. His work provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the time.
Despite the loss of much of his original manuscript, the surviving portions of Tarikh-i Bayhaqi remain a crucial source for historians studying the 11th century.
Bayhaqi passed away on September 21, 1077.