Sa’di of Shiraz, the eminent 13th century Persian poet, will be commemorated on the occasion of his national day in Iran on April 21.
Because the exact date of birth of the perspicacious poet is unknown, his national day was decided to be held on the first day of Ordibehesht, the second month of spring in the Persian calendar, the month that is the best time to visit Shiraz, Sa’di’s hometown.
A group of cultural elite and officials will be in Shiraz on Friday night to attend the annual event, ISNA reported on its Persian website.
Head of the National Library and Archives of Iran Ashraf Boroujerdi, Governor of Fars Province Esmail Tabadar, Persian traditional singer Salar Aghili, Sa’di specialists and ‘Raz-o-Niaz’ traditional music ensemble will be present at his mausoleum to pay tribute to the medieval erudite poet who is held in high esteem for the depth of his social and moral thoughts.
On Saturday the National Library and Archives of Fars in Shiraz will host a scientific meeting to celebrate the day.
Speakers at the meeting will include philosopher Gholamhossein Ebrahimi Dinani; master of mystic literature, director of literature department of The Great Islamic Encyclopedia Asghar Dadbeh; literary researcher, author and Sa’di specialist Jafar Moayed Shirazi; poet, author and university lecturer Mohammad Shams Langeroodi; literary researcher, mythologist and essayist Bahram Gerami; literary researcher, philosopher and expert in works of Sa’di Mohammad-Reza Khalesi; and author, historian and literary researcher Abdolreza Modarreszadeh.
Near the hall where lectures are to be delivered, a calligraphy exhibition on Sa’di’s poems will be held. The National Library of Fars will also hold an exhibition of historical documents, photographs and manuscripts of Sa’di’s works at its ‘Tar-o-Poud’ Gallery.
On April 21, the mausoleum of Sa’di (a major tourist site) will admit visitors free of charge. Shiraz Municipality has planned special programs to receive the visitors, including a play based on the poet’s works.
Sa’di of Shiraz (1210-1292) is widely recognized as one of the greatest masters of the classical literary tradition. Among Persian scholars, he is known as ‘Ostad-e Sokhan’ (master orator) or simply as master. His best known works are Bustan (Orchard) completed in 1257 and Gulistan (Rose Garden) completed in 1258.
