Persian Literary Tourism

Persian literary tourism is a specialised niche within cultural tourism, involving visiting locations connected to Persian authors, poets, and literary works, as well as places that inspired or featured in Persian literature (Bayat & Asadi, 2017). This form of tourism stretches beyond contemporary Iran and Persian-speaking countries like Afghanistan and Tajikistan to include nations with historical and cultural ties to Greater Persia. Examples are Iran’s neighbouring countries, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as regions further afield, like northern India, where Persian was the official language of the Mughal court during the Gurkani Empire, a period when Persian art, architecture, and literature thrived.

Due to their geographical proximity and historical interactions with Iran, these countries share profound cultural, historical, linguistic, and ethnic affinities, contributing to a legacy of shared literary works. Due to this shared legacy, it is essential to recognise the common heritage among countries involved in the Persian literary tradition. A notable example is the esteemed poet Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic. Born in Balkh, modern-day Afghanistan, Rumi’s life was marked by significant mobility due to the shifting political landscape and invasions of his time. His journey included regions that are now part of Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Turkey, where he ultimately passed away and was buried in the city of Konya. Konya remains central to Rumi’s legacy, hosting annual festivals in his honour and celebrating his profound influence on poetry, spirituality, and Sufism. Rumi composed his works in Persian during an era when the Silk Road was a vital conduit for cultural exchange. His life and writings exemplify the interconnectedness of cultures along this historic trade route, underscoring the significance of Persian literary tourism in celebrating a shared cultural legacy that transcends national borders.

During the medieval period, Persian served as a lingua franca across regions such as Central Asia, India, and the Ottoman Empire, underscoring its extensive influence on global culture and intellectual history. Considering this, it is reasonable to claim that Persian literary tourism can help connect countries with shared Persian heritage, fostering closer cultural ties than political divides might suggest.

Persian literature, particularly its poetic tradition, occupies a central place in the cultural and intellectual history of the Persian-speaking world. Interwoven with philosophical, mystical, and ethical discourses, it serves as an artistic expression, a source of moral instruction, and a reflection of history and culture. The influence of Persian literary heritage is especially apparent among Persian speakers. For instance, in modern Iranian life, many people can recite classic poems from memory, illustrating how deeply Persian literature shapes cultural identity and highlighting its potential for promoting literary tourism. The passion of Persian speakers for reciting, reading, discussing, and even singing these poems in front of tourists can facilitate a co-created literary tourism experience between tourists and locals. This approach aligns with sustainable tourism principles, wherein tourists and locals actively contribute to sustainability efforts through co-creation, fostering mutual engagement and enriching sustainable experiences.

In contemporary times, high-quality translations of Persian literary works into languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese have significantly broadened international interest in Persian literary tourism beyond neighbouring countries. A prime example is the Rubaiyat (quatrains) of Omar Khayyam from Nishapur, Iran. Khayyam's international fame, greatly enhanced by Edward Fitzgerald's renowned translations, underscores the essential role that exceptional translations play in attracting international literary tourists to Persian cultural sites. This demonstrates a high motivation for visitors to pay homage to Persian poets in their actual locations, enriching tourists' understanding of the works and the authors themselves.

However, Persian literary tourism is not limited to significant authorial sites and burial tombs. Beyond authors’ birthplaces, homes, and graves, locations that inspired the authors are also significant. These places sometimes yield fascinating monuments and byproducts, such as the celebrated “Rose of Omar Khayyam.” According to the INDIRAN newsletter (2012), the Rose of Omar Khayyam possesses an extraordinary and legendary history. The Omar Khayyam Club planted the rose in 1893 on Edward FitzGerald’s grave in the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels. Artist-traveller William Simpson collected its seeds from a plant at Omar Khayyam’s tomb in Nishapur, Khorasan, Iran, then brought back and cultivated at Kew Gardens in London. This captivating tale links medieval Persia with Victorian England, weaving a poetic connection between a rose gracing a model garden and the ancient deserts of north-eastern Iran (see the full story in INDIRAN, 2012). Hearing this story at either Omar Khayyam’s tomb in Nishapur or at FitzGerald’s grave in England offers a unique experience for tourists.

Persian literary tourism can be classified into four categories:

1. Author-Related Tourism:

• Visiting the birthplaces, residences, or tombs of famous Persian classical poets and writers, such as Rumi’s tomb in Konya, Turkey; Hafez’s tomb in Shiraz, Iran; Saeb Tabrizi’s tomb in Esfahan, Iran; Rudaki’s tomb in Panjakent, Tajikistan; Jami’s in Herat, Afghanistan; Nezami’s in Ganja, Azerbaijan; and Ferdowsi’s mausoleum in Tus, Iran. This experience also includes exploring museums and cultural centres dedicated to Persian literary figures.

2. Setting-Related Tourism:

• Real-Life Locations: Visiting cities and landscapes that feature in or inspired classical Persian literature, such as Esfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad frequently referenced in Persian poetry.

• Fictional Setting Inspirations: Exploring regions that inspired mythological or epic settings in works like Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, or visiting places like Bukhara and Samarkand, as depicted in Hafez’s poems.

3. Literary Festivals and Events:

• Attending Persian literary events, poetry recitals, or festivals celebrating Persian literature and poets, such as Hafez Day celebrations in Shiraz or Rumi-themed gatherings in Konya.

4. Adaptations and Tours:

• Film/TV Adaptations: Visiting places featured in adaptations of Persian literary works or in films that bring Persian stories to life.

• Themed Literary Trails: Participating in organised tours along Persian poetry trails, such as walking through gardens and landmarks associated with Hafez in Shiraz or with Sohrab Sepehri in Kashan.

An interesting aspect of Persian literature is the prominence of gardens, which hold deep cultural, historical, and architectural value. Persian gardens are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, enhancing the appeal of burial sites often surrounded by Persian-style gardens and architecture. These locations attract visitors seeking to honour literary greats and experience their cultural heritage. Two notable examples are the tombs of Hafez and Sa’adi, located in beautiful Persian gardens in Shiraz, Iran.

While Persian literary tourism primarily focuses on classical figures, contemporary Persian poets and novelists also contribute to this rich landscape, fostering literary tourism in Iran. Modern poets such as Forough Farrokhzad, Nima Yooshij, Rahi Mo’ayyeri, and Iraj Mirza, all buried in Tehran’s Zahir-al-Dawlah cemetery, play an integral role in this narrative. Sohrab Sepehri, a modern poet and painter known for his environmentally themed works and influences from East Asian cultures, was inspired by the small village and town of his childhood, which features prominently in his poetry. He is buried in Mashhad-e Ardahal, near Kashan, Iran. His translated poems highlight both personal and environmental dimensions, enhancing the appeal of literary tourism.

Mahmoud Dowlatabadi is a notable novelist. His novel Kelidar, set in the villages of northeastern Iran, provides a rich backdrop for literary tourism. Similarly, Sadegh Hedayat (1903–1951), known for his existential and surreal narratives, such as The Blind Owl, attracts literary tourists to Shahre Rey in Tehran, Iran.

Persian literary tourism extends beyond static sites to include dynamic cultural interactions. The deep familiarity with classical Persian poetry among locals enriches the tourist experience, offering immersive engagement with the literature through recitations and discussions. This interaction fosters a deeper appreciation for Persian literary traditions and supports sustainable tourism by positively impacting society, culture, the environment, and the economy (Carson et al., 2016; Hoppen et al., 2014). In this regard, Shiraz, in south Iran, is a premier destination for Persian literary tourism. As the capital of Fars Province, Shiraz is closely associated with revered poets such as Hafez and Saadi, whose tombs draw local and international visitors. The city’s Persian-style garden tombs and proximity to Persepolis offer a glimpse into ancient literary culture. Shiraz's legacy underscores its significance within global literary tourism (Torabi Farsani et al., 2017).

Ultimately, Persian literary tourism is not merely a journey through time; it is a personal quest for meaning and connection. Much like the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights, it offers travellers an exploration that blends cultural insights with personal reflection. Through this journey, individuals gain a richer understanding of Persian history and literature while embarking on their quest for significance and connection (Bapiri et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to reintroduce Persian literature and wisdom to the world through literary tourism in more attractive, creative, and accessible ways, moving beyond elitist perceptions.

How to cite this dictionary entry: Esfandiar, K. & Nooraghayee, A. (2024). Persian Literary tourism. In R. Baleiro, G. Capecchi & J. Arcos-Pumarola (Orgs.). E-Dictionary of Literary Tourism. University for Foreigners of Perugia.