Khayyam's Historical Context

Khayyam lived during a tumultuous period in Persian history, now known as "Khayyam's Time." The Seljuk Turks had invaded south-western Asia, establishing an empire that included much of Iran. This unstable military regime, which attempted to establish an orthodox Muslim state, formed the backdrop of Khayyam's life and work.

Scientific Achievements

During his lifetime, Khayyam was renowned as a mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer. His scientific contributions were significant, including the development of a calendar more accurate than the one currently in use. However, these accomplishments have been overshadowed by his poetic legacy in the modern era.

The Rubaiyat and Its Translation

The rubaiyat, a collection of four-line verses, only gained widespread recognition centuries after Khayyam's death. In the Muslim world, his poetry wasn't published until 200 years after he died, and it took another 500 years to reach Europe. Edward FitzGerald's 1859 English translation of the Rubaiyat marked a turning point in Khayyam's literary reputation. This translation, which was more of an adaptation, captured the imagination of Western readers and transformed Khayyam into a world-renowned poet.

Themes and Interpretation

The Rubaiyat explores themes of life, death, and the human condition. Some scholars interpret these verses as expressions of free thought during a time of oppressive rule. The poems often question religious orthodoxy and celebrate life's fleeting pleasures, which could be seen as a form of intellectual resistance to the strict Islamic regime of the time.

Global Impact

Following FitzGerald's translation, the Rubaiyat gained immense popularity and was subsequently translated into numerous languages, including Irish, Esperanto, Russian, Swahili, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese. This global spread cemented Khayyam's reputation as a poet of international significance.

Historical Irony

Interestingly, Khayyam's poetic fame in the West has influenced his reputation in his homeland. Prior to his Western recognition, he was not highly regarded as a poet in Persia. In fact, as late as 1906, he was not considered among the top three classes of Persian poets. The rubaiyat form itself was not traditionally held in high esteem in Persian literature, often compared to the limerick in English poetry. In conclusion, Omar Khayyam's journey from a respected scientist in his time to a globally celebrated poet century later is a fascinating example of how historical reputation can be shaped by translation, cultural exchange, and changing literary tastes. His work continues to offer insights into the intellectual climate of medieval Persia and the enduring power of poetic expression.

 

is period name as “Khayyam’s Time’.