Hafeziyeh, Tomb of Iranian Great Poet, Iran, Shiraz

Hafez, a Persian poet, mystic, and sonneteer, was born in the 8th century in Shiraz, Iran. Hafez, one of the greatest poets of Iran, is locally known by his pen name, “Lesan-ol-Qeib”. His real name is Shamseddin Mohammad. He is famous as Hafez or Hafiz since he memorized the Holy Quran.

Photo: Maggi from canada

Hafeziyeh with an area of approximately 2 hectares is the shrine of Hafiz located in the north of Shiraz. The hall’s architectural design belongs to the Zandiyeh era and contains 20 stone pillars with a 5-m height. The shrine also consists of 8 stone pillars; the number symbolizes the eight doors of paradise. It is also recommended that it is the symbol of the Hijri 8th century, in which Hafiz lived.

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Hafez is one of the most renowned poets in Iran whose influence can be felt even today. Hafez is also known to the west and east. He would leave a mark on some Western writers such as Goethe. This Persian lyric poet expressed love, spirituality, and protest in his ghazals (sonnets). Moreover, many of his poems are used as proverbs or sayings. Hafez’s Divan (his book containing his poems) is found in almost every Iranian home.

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After his father died, Hafez started working at the bakery. One day he saw Shakh-e Nabat, a very beautiful woman. Since then many of his poems are addressed to her. Hafez composed about 500 ghazals, 42 Rubaiyees, and a few Ghaseedeh. It is worth mentioning that Hafez himself did not compile his poetry. Mohammad Golandaam completed it some 21-22 years after his death.

Photo: Andres from sweden

Hafiz’s Divan is so complicated and multilayered in meaning that the translation is sometimes a challenging task and the spirit may be lost. In fact, the translator should have a great mind, heart, and soul as well as knowledge of words, Persian literature, religion, and history to understand Hafez’s ghazals correctly to transfer.

Photo: Jan v from Bulgaria