Why it matters:
Commemorating Sa'adi is not only a way of respecting his works and thoughts, but also a symbol of cultural and linguistic unity among Persian speakers around the world. The event is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of literature and culture in creating humanity and social bonds.
The big picture:
Sa'adi is celebrated as one of the greatest poets of the classical literary tradition. Though the exact date of his birth remains uncertain, most scholars believe he was born around 1209 or 1210. Originating from the city of Shiraz, the provincial capital of Fars province in Iran, his legacy continues to inspire countless hearts and minds.
Sa'adi, revered as "The Master of Speech," "The Wordsmith," or simply "Master" by Persian scholars, has also been quoted in Western traditions. His Bustan is recognized as one of The Guardian's 100 greatest books of all time.
His two most important books are Bustan and Golestan.
What he's saying:
Iran's ambassador in Tajikistan, Alireza Haghighian, pointed out Saadi's characteristics and said: "Saadi belongs to all classes and is our shared cultural heritage."
Other speakers also examined Saadi's personality and works, and discussed his influence on literature and culture.
Go deeper:
Bosnian Translation of Saadi's Bostan, Golestan Unveiled
Neda Sajjadi
