Classical Persian Literature and the Formation of Iranian National and Cultural Identity

Classical Iranian literature has played a pivotal role in shaping national and cultural identity from the medieval period to the present. This paper examines the contributions of major works and traditions most notably Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, the mystical poetry of Rumi, and the lyric poetry of Hafez and Saadi-to the preservation of the Persian language, the reinforcement of historical consciousness, and the transmission of moral and philosophical values. Drawing on epic, mystical, and lyric genres, the study highlights how these texts provided Iranians with a shared narrative, a moral compass, and a linguistic heritage that survived political upheavals, foreign domination, and modernization. The analysis also addresses the modern reception of classical literature, showing how its symbolic and linguistic resources continue to unify diverse social groups, inspire political discourse, and maintain cultural continuity in a globalized world. The findings underscore the enduring role of Persian literary heritage as both a mirror of societal values and a foundation for Iranian national consciousness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Classical Persian literature ، Iranian identity ، Shahnameh ، Ferdowsi ، Rumi ، Hafez ، Saadi ، Persian language ، cultural heritage ، national consciousness