Corrections of some Errata in Khaqani’s Lyrical Poetry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Asssitant Professor, Persian Language and Literature, Sa’id Chamran Ahwaz University

Abstract

The diwan of Khaqani Shirvani is an artistic and literary masterpiece filled with many
rare words and stylistic innovations. The poet’s cultural background is mixed with an
inclination for originality and rich imageries. Khaqani creates images and figures of style
which have no historical precedents. Hence, it would have been difficult for people not
familiar with his style, to transcribe his poems properly. Scribes, willingly or
unwillingly, have inserted numerous mistakes in his poetry. Some of those recorded
mistakes or errata were even reinforced over many generations of manual copying.
These errata are now part of Khaqani’s poems and can even found in the oldest extant
manuscripts. Today, by relying on our knowledge of Khaqani’s cultural background as
well as his artistic and literary style, it is possible to reedit parts of his poetry. In this
article, we have corrected some of the errata found in his lyrical poetry.

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