Diwan of Hafiz
- Reference:GB 227 ms26(O)
- Dates of Creation:1538
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:Persian
- Physical Description:1 volume, 178ff . Bound volume: 8' x 4.5'. Brown leather cover stamped with floral designs.
Scope and Content
Diwan of Hafiz, completed by Pir Hussain of Shiraz on 1st Rajab, AH945/ 23 November 1538. Written in nasta 'liq, Persian. Signed on fly-leaf: 'William Tweedie, Haidarabad, 1864'.
Administrative / Biographical History
Shams al-Din Hafiz (c.1321-1389) is regarded as the greatest Persian lyrical poet, for his multi-layered ghazals. He was born in Isfahan, now in Iran, and moved with his family to Shiraz at an early age. Despite living in poverty after the death of his father, he gained a good education, and memorised the Qur'an while still at school, gaining him the name 'Hafez' or 'Hafiz'. He became a disciple of the spiritual master, Attar of Shiraz. He did various menial jobs until he gained the favour of the court of Abu Ishak where he became a resident poet.The inspirartion for his love poems was a young woman in Shiraz known as Shakh-e Nabat (meaning 'Branch of Sugar-cane') whom he thought emboddied the perfect beauty given by her Creator. Hafiz was also appointed professor of Koranic studies at a college in Shiraz. He was ousted from this post when Mubariz Muzaffar captured Shiraz, but restored Muzaffar's son Shah Shuja. He later fell out with this ruler and fled to Isfahan, his poetry at this time being dominated by his longing to end his exile. However he was invited back to Shiraz and continued to teach and to compose ghazals there until his death.
Access Information
By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.
Acquisition Information
Tweedie collection. Catalogued by DM Dunlop.
Note
Call number used to be msPK6465.D5
Other Finding Aids
Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database
Conditions Governing Use
Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.
Subjects
Personal Names