Hafez’s Divan in Serbian Unveiled in Belgrade

Date: 23 February 2016 - 21:10

News ID: ۲۴۲۲۳

TEHRAN (IRNA) – A Serbian version of the ‘Divan’ a collection of verses by ancient Persian poet Hafez (1325-1389) was unveiled at the National Library of Serbia in Belgrade on Saturday (Feb. 21).
Divan is Hafez’s major work and the collection is regarded a pinnacle of Persian literature. It is found in the homes of most Iranians who learn his poems by heart and even today use them as proverbs and sayings.
The translated work by Slobodan Jolovic, Serbian literary scholar and translator, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Iranian Ambassador to Belgrade Majid Fahimpour, Cultural Attaché Mahmoud Shalouei, director of the Serbian library and renowned poet Laslo Vlaskovic, and Serbian language and literature teacher and head of the central library of the University of Belgrade Aleksandar Jerkov, besides Persian language students and enthusiasts.
Vlaskovic’s said: "With the masterwork of Iran’s prominent poet Hafez in the bookshelves of the National Library, it marks an important day in our history.” The translation ‘Divan’ enriches the Persian collection, and "undoubtedly adds to the cultural worth of the library.”
Jerkov highlighted the outstanding position of Hafez and his poems and presented a comparative description between his poetry and thoughts and western literary figures such as German writer and statesman, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The translation "provides easy and valuable access for Serbians to enjoy the rich world of Persian literature.”
Fahimpour expressed gratitude that one of the most valuable Persian literary works is expanding the boundaries of the rich Iranian culture, by making other nations familiar with it.
Shalouei said the beautiful and fine illustrations of the book by Iranian master of miniature and painting, Mahmoud Farshchian, adds to the value of the masterpiece.
Farshchian has presented brilliant illustrations for outstanding Iranian works including Divan of Hafez, Shahnameh of Ferdowsi (940–1020 AD) and Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (1048–1131).
The ceremony wrapped up with a folklore music performance by Chavosh Band from the Iranian province of Khuzestan.