Unlock a Masterpiece of Persian Literature
Have you ever tried to read a classical Persian text like the History of Beyhaqi (Tarikh-i Bayhaqi) only to find yourself lost in its complex prose and historical depth? For many advanced learners, bridging the gap between modern Persian and the literary masterpieces of the past is the final, most challenging frontier. This is precisely why this course was created.
This isn’t just a reading list; it’s a guided expedition into one of the most important works of Persian literature. Led by Dr. Leila Seyedghasem, an award-winning expert on Beyhaqi’s rhetoric, this course demystifies the text without diminishing its power. Our unique methodology breaks down each narrative into manageable segments. With compelling introductions providing historical context for each story, synchronized native-speaker audio for every line, and a built-in reading guide for archaic vocabulary, you’ll move beyond simple translation. You will start to appreciate the literary genius of Beyhaqi’s style, understand the nuances of his storytelling, and grasp the timeless lessons on power, justice, and human nature embedded in his work.
This course is designed for the serious student of Persian who is ready to transition from a language learner to a confident reader of classical literature.
Overview
Historical Context & Authorship
The History of Beyhaqi is one of the most renowned and valuable historical and literary texts in Persian. Authored by Abu’l-Fazl Muhammad ibn Husayn Beyhaqi, this book chronicles the historical events of the Ghaznavid era, particularly during the reign of Mas’ud of Ghazna. As a distinguished historian of the 5th century AH, Beyhaqi not only records historical facts but also employs an analytical approach and evocative language to convey the spirit and significance of these events to the reader.
Born in 385 AH in Harisabad Beyhaq, Abu’l-Fazl Beyhaqi completed his education in Beyhaq and Nishapur. In 412 AH, he joined the secretariat of Mahmud of Ghazna. Beyhaqi served for nineteen years as the deputy of Bunasr Mishkan in this secretariat and continued his work as a secretary and historian after Bunasr’s death. His life was marked by political ups and downs, from serving in the court to being exiled and even imprisoned. These diverse experiences provided him with a deep understanding of political and social issues, which is reflected in his writing of the History of Beyhaqi. Beyhaqi passed away in Ghazna in 470 AH.
The Geographical World of the History of Beyhaqi
These maps illustrate the two key regions central to the History of Beyhaqi. (Click to zoom)
The map of Khorasan shows the cultural and administrative heartland where the author lived and worked, while the map of Eastern Afghanistan and Northwestern India shows the primary stage for the political and military events he chronicled.
Authenticity & Literary Excellence
Originally consisting of approximately thirty volumes, only portions of the History of Beyhaqi, from the fifth volume to the beginning of the tenth volume, have survived. This book covers 42 years of history, from 409 AH to the era of Ibrahim ibn Mas’ud.
One of the most striking features of the History of Beyhaqi is its authenticity. Beyhaqi has referenced various sources in writing this work and has narrated events with accuracy and impartiality. He has not neglected to mention even the smallest details and, through the use of precise and vivid descriptions, has made his narratives lively and engaging.
The prose of Beyhaqi is considered a masterpiece of the Persian language. This elegant yet intimate style is replete with beautiful and unique words and phrases. Beyhaqi, using emotive language and artistic imagery, has created a work that is valuable both historically and literarily. In narrating events, he, like a novelist, gives depth to people and events, visualizing them for the reader as if they were characters in a story.
The significance of the History of Beyhaqi extends beyond its literary and historical aspects. Through its precise analyses and descriptions of human relationships and power dynamics, this book remains relevant to us in the present day. This unparalleled work not only serves as a bridge to the past but also provides a means of better understanding the present. Studying the History of Beyhaqi is not only a literary and historical experience but also a philosophical reflection on life and humanity.
The History of Beyhaqi was translated into English in 2011 by Clifford Edmund Bosworth and Mohsen Ashtiany in three volumes:
Beyhaqi, Abu’l-Fazl, 2011. The History of Beyhaqi: The History of Sultan Mas’ud of Ghazna, Translated by C.E. Bosworth and fully revised by Mohsen Ashtiany, 3 vols., Ilex Foundation & Harvard University Press.
In this course, we will strive to help you read and understand short but important sections of the History of Beyhaqi in the original language. To this end, before entering each section, we will introduce you to the characters present in that section. We will explain the background of the event. Then you will listen to and follow the text sentence by sentence. On the left, you can see the meaning of important words and understand the ambiguous points of the text. Finally, you can test your understanding of the Beyhaqi text by taking a quiz.
Step into the dynamic world of Bayhaqi, the master chronicler whose eloquent narratives bring medieval Persia to life. This interactive online course, hosted on Joy of Persian, offers an immersive learning experience for advanced students of Persian literature.
Benefits:
- Unravel the Layers of History – Explore Bayhaqi’s masterful narrative, delving into themes of power, fate, and political intrigue in medieval Persia.
- Authentic Classical Persian – Engage with the elegance and complexity of historical Persian as used in one of the most influential chronicles of Persian literature.
- Grammar in Historical Context – Gain insight into the unique grammatical structures and stylistic features of classical Persian, distinguishing it from modern usage.
- Expand Your Historical Vocabulary – Learn and internalize over 500 essential words and expressions used in historical and literary Persian texts.
Course Developer
Leila Seyedghasem, PhD.
Dr. Leila Seyedghasem, our esteemed Course Developer & Instructor, brings a deep passion for Persian culture and language to this course. With a Ph.D. in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Tehran (2007-2013) – where she researched “The Rhetoric of Syntactic Structures in the History of Beyhaqi” under the supervision of Professor Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani.
Dr. Seyedghasem has been recognized with prestigious awards, including:
- Iranian Literary Award (Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Award) in the “literary criticism” category, (2018), for The Rhetoric of Syntactic Structures in Tarikhe Beyhaghi.
- The 36th annual Iran’s Book of the Year Award for the Best book in the literary criticism category (2018), for The Rhetoric of Syntactic Structures in Tarikhe Beyhaghi.
- Fathollah Mojtabaei Award for the best doctoral dissertation in the fields of Persian language and literature, religions and mysticism (2013).
Her latest research, “The Poetic of Preposing and Postposing: Taqdīm and Ta’khīr in The History of Beyhaqī” was published by Oxford University Press in 2024. Dr. Seyedghasem’s extensive expertise and innovative approach to Persian literature ensure that you will embark on a captivating journey into the world of Persian history and language.
Syllabus
Each story (lesson) is divided into manageable sections for ease of learning:
1️⃣Engaging Introductions: Each lesson opens with a compelling introduction that outlines the historical context and introduces the key figures of the narrative.
2️⃣Audio & Text Integration: The lesson continues with a synced Persian audio, accompanied by text, and is narrated by our expert instructor to ensure precise pronunciation of this classical work.
3️⃣Reading Guide: Key new words are highlighted throughout the text. In the sidenotes, their synonyms and translations are provided, creating a built-in mini-dictionary for quick and easy reference.
4️⃣Interactive Exercises: Test your knowledge with vocabulary, grammar, sentence building, and more engaging activities. {under development}
5️⃣Comprehensive Vocabulary Lists: Review key words and phrases used in each lesson.
6️⃣Printables: Our printable workbooks offer off-screen course review, letting you progress at your own pace.
👉 Step by step, this sequence will lead you to a full comprehension of History of Beyhaqi 🚀
What Awaits You on This Journey?
This is more than an online course; it is your gateway to the heart of classical Persian literature. When you complete this program, you will no longer see the History of Beyhaqi as an intimidating historical document. Instead, you will experience it as a living narrative, rich with drama, political intrigue, and profound insights into the human condition that remain relevant a thousand years later.
You will gain the confidence and skills to:
- Read complex classical prose with fluency, guided by an expert and supported by purpose-built learning tools that break down every barrier.
- Appreciate the literary artistry of Beyhaqi’s style, recognizing the subtle rhetorical devices that make his writing a timeless masterpiece.
- Analyze historical events through a critical lens, drawing connections between the lessons on power, justice, and leadership in the Ghaznavid court and the world you see today.
- Connect deeply with Persian heritage by mastering a foundational text that has shaped its culture and intellectual tradition for a millennium.
Dr. Leila Seyedghasem will be your personal guide on this enlightening adventure, transforming a challenging text into an accessible and thrilling experience. Don’t just learn about history—immerse yourself in it. Let the echoes of medieval Persia enrich your understanding of the modern world.
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