This is the theoretical part of a two-part course (Seminar + Übung). Scholars often regard the golden age of classical Persian poetry as the tenth to fifteenth century—a period deeply shaped by Sufi thought. Among its most prominent authors stands the towering figure of Farīd al-Dīn ʿAttār Nishāpūrī (d. ca. 1221), whose poetic and prose works became models for generations of Sufis and poets. This seminar introduces students to the esoteric dimension of Islam, namely Islamic mysticism (Sufism) through the lens of ʿAttār’s writings. We will explore the teachings, concepts, practices and institutions of Sufism, while delving into its metaphysical cosmology, spiritual psychology, and its literary aestheticism. Rather than relying solely on secondary literature, the seminar emphasises direct engagement with primary texts. We will read and discuss ʿAttār’s allegorical masterpiece The Conference of the Birds (Manṭiq al-ṭayr) in full, and selected stories from his influential prose hagiography Memorial of the Saints (Taẕkirat al-Awliyāʾ).By the end of the course, students will gain a deep understanding of Sufi philosophy and its enduring impact on Persian literary culture and Iranians’ conceptions of self and worldview even to this day.
No prior knowledge of Persian is required. The students are expected to read the assigned texts and follow the discussions in English; however, they are welcome to discuss, write their Klausur, and correspond with me in German.
Workload for seminar and seminar exercises:
For research seminar and accompanying exercises: 3 hours/week attendance, 15 hours/week preparation and follow-up work, 180 hours of homework (15 ECTS credits),
For study seminar and accompanying exercise: 3 hours/week attendance, 15 hours/week preparation and follow-up work (9 ECTS credits)
Evaluation
When enrolled as a research seminar and accompanying exercise (Forschungsseminar und Begleitübung): research proposal (3–5 pages), presentation (20–25 min.), and term paper (20–25 pages).
When enrolled as a study seminar and accompanying exercise (Studienseminar und Begleitübung): presentation (20–25 min.) and written examination (90–120 Minuten) or response papers (2–3 kurze Texte à 2–3 Seiten).
- Teacher: Leila Rahimi Bahmany