Selections from the History of Beyhaqi (1)

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.

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.