Utopian Literature in the Middle East: Subversion or Submission in Sa’di’s Political Views in Atābakān and Mongol Periods

Based on Sa’di’s complete works, the Bustān, the Golestān, Qaṣāyed (Odes),Moqaṭṭaʿāt („Fragments”), Rasāel („Treatieses”) and Ḡazaliāt („sonnets”), thepresent article examines his political views and their relation to hiscontemporary rulers in two periods, the era of Atābakān-e-Fārs, from ۱۲۵۷to ۱۲۶۴, the year of Abshkhātoon’s accession to the throne, and from ۱۲۶۴that coincides with the decline of Atābakān to the domination of theMongol rulers to ۱۲۹۱ or ۱۲۹۲ when Sa’di died. What distinguishes Sa’diand consequently his views from other mystics is that he has a keen eye forpolitics in addition to individual morality. From Sa’di’s point of view thecore of an ideal state or a utopia is its ruler, and it is impossible to foundsuch a state without a wise ruler. Sa’di believes that the role of a wise ruleris crucial to reform a society. Thus, rulers are the butt of his criticism insignificant parts of his works among which his political treatise calledNaṣiḥat al-moluk, meaning „advice for rulers” directly addresses rulers andtheir executives. To highlight the fundamental role of the rulers in theimprovement of societies, the Golestān begins with „of the Customs ofKings” as the first chapter. Similarly, the first two books of the Bustān areconcerned with „justice” and „benevolence”. To establish „social welfare”,„security”, and „peace” in society, that is the most significant duty of agovernment towards its people, Sa’di, as a utopian mystic and poet,criticizes the current situation of his time, turning the spotlights on therulers first. This study presents how Sa’di’s political views are reflected inhis works criticizing the current situation, and at the same time, proposingdesirable alternatives.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sa’di ، politische Ansichten ، soziale Reform ، Unterwerfung ، subversion ، Utopie