Iran Marks Day of Attar of Nishabur

Date: 13 April 2024 - 21:41

News ID: ۱۲۶۱۸۰

TEHRAN -- Faridoddin Abu Hamid
Muhammad (1110-1221) better known as Attar is a prominent Persian poet and the creator of Mantiq al-Teyr (the conference of the birds) whom is annually commemorated across Iran on April 13.
The commemoration day of Attar of Nishabur in northeast of Iran is an opportunity to take a new look at his life and status in the Iranian literature.
Born in a village named Kadkan in the vicinity of Nishabur, the mystic poet was called Attar as he was working at herbal and clinic store. Attar in Persian means the one does activities related to herbs and herbal medicine.
Attar was a forerunner of science of Tariqat or Sufi’s path, who was acknowledged by mystic 13th century Persian poet Mowlana known also as Rumi.
Some say that Attar was killed during the Mongol invasion of Nishabur, but others tell believe he died of natural causes.
Mantiq al-Teyr is Attar’s masterpiece which has 7,000 couplets narrated symbolically by birds which are on the path to God.
The hagiographer Attar has written many other precious works, including Tazkirat-ul Auliya.
Attar has affected the history of spiritual ideology in Iran and the Iranian culture.
According to provincial officials, about 700,000 domestic and foreign tourists travel to Nishabur annually to visit the tomb of Attar.