Update Date: February 2, 2024
The scanned document shows Omar Khayyam’s Sculpture by A. H. Sedighi in Laleh Park in Tehran. It is made of Carrara marble with 185 cm in height (about 73 inches). The sculpture has damaged at nose and fingers area due to lack of attention.
Omar Khayyam Neyshaburi, known as Hojjato-l-Hagh, was a Persian polymath, astronomer, mathematician, and poet who is known as one of the most influential scientists of the Middle Ages.
He was born on May 18, 1048, in northeast of Persia, in Nishapur. He died on December 4, 1131. He lived in the time that the Seljuq dynasty ruled the country. His collection of Rubaiyat (1859) was translated into English by Edward FitzGerald.
The scanned document shows Omar Khayyam’s Sculpture by H. Fakhimi.
Omar Khayyam was a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet. Generally speaking, he is one of the most influential scientists of the Middle Ages. He is mainly known to English-speaking readers through the translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (1859) by the English writer Edward FitzGerald.
This article will introduce Omar Khayyam, his vision, and his character. First, we need to explain different opinions concerning Khayyam, his viewpoint clearly, and poem categories to know this brilliant poet.
What Are the Basic Categories in Khayyam’s Rubaiyat?
In fact, Khayyam’s Rubaiyat can be classified into four basic categories that we cover in detail. Therefore, let’s take a deep look at these categories. Indeed, Persian and poetry lovers will find it helpful to learn more about Omar Khayyam and his character.
Thereafter studying and evaluating Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat philosophically, scientifically, and considering the mood, we can see four basic categories described below.
1. Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat about birth and death
In brief, the Rubaiyat of Khayyam concerns how life passes quickly, and then we shall accept the truth of life. This is a natural process that one day we are born, and later we will die. These Rubaiyat tried to help us be less greedy and then gave us tips for a less materialistic lifestyle.
2. Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat about Human’s Limited Knowledge vs. the Cosmos
Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat eloquently explores the disparity between humanity’s finite understanding and the boundless expanse of the cosmos. Through poetic verses, Khayyam reflects on the paradox of human limitations in comprehending the vastness of the universe, emphasizing the perpetual quest for knowledge within the constraints of our ephemeral existence.
3. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam about Pure Happiness
Immediately, the Rubaiyat of Khayyam invited people to be happy and enjoy their life, drinking wine and ignoring reality. For the same reason, the only significant life goal is to be unconscious of life realities. Persian poetry and literature experts believe that Omar Khayyam did not compose these Rubaiyat; in other words, these Rubaiyat were attributed to him.
4. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam about the Feeling of Absurd
Absolutely, some of the Rubaiyat was attributed to Khayyam, while many Persian poetry and literature experts believe that there are some serious doubts about Khayyam’s role in composing them. Because Khayyam’s ideology is specific, Rubaiyat indicates the concept of absurdity and the world’s meaninglessness, could not be composed by Khayyam.
The third and fourth categories of Rubaiyat of Khayyam can be questioned and explained in three subjects including:
1. Omar Khayyam’s Philosophical Thoughts
According to Khayyam’s philosophy and strong beliefs in wisdom and logic, he did not compose Rubaiyat with a negative attitude toward life and the universe. Consequently, some poems are not valued by experts.
2. Omar Khayyam’s Valuable Titles
His titles with precious meanings, such as “Imam,” can prove that he was a wise man at his time. Certainly, he did not believe in the absurd feeling about life and humanity.
3. Omar Khayyam’s Religious Beliefs
Omar Khayyam’s religious beliefs remain a subject of scholarly debate. He lived during a time of diverse cultural and intellectual influences in the Islamic world. While his poetry suggests a questioning and skeptical attitude towards certain religious dogmas, Khayyam’s convictions are not definitively known. His verses in the Rubaiyat often explore themes of existentialism, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of knowledge, but he is not easily categorized within a specific religious tradition. Scholars suggest that Khayyam’s philosophical stance may lean towards agnosticism or a form of spiritual questioning.
Omar Khayyam and Mathematics
Surprisingly, in western countries and then worldwide, Khayyam became famous and well-known through FitzGerald’s English Translation of Rubaiyat. In math, Khayyam had made some valuable and fundamental efforts in the Middle Ages history of Europe.
In the period that mathematics was developing and every scientist tried to improve the current level, Khayyam’s effort was considerable. Without a doubt, his studies have helped many mathematicians to solve equations. Undeniably, Omar Khayyam was equaled with Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal.
Khayyam’s works in mathematics include:
- Scientifically organized research for classifying and solving the first- and second-order equations and some third- and fourth-order equations. A unique work as a mathematician in the Middle Ages;
- Studying Euclid’s Equality and improving some of its deficiencies;
- Studying binomial coefficients and their usages in determining the approximate roots of numbers;
- Studying equality between fraction relations;
- Identifying the alloy mixture relations for two metals (gold and silver).
The Role of Khayyam in Science
Unquestionably, the development of science is not an overnight issue, and many scientists try constantly to figure out the secrets and mysteries. In other words, researchers and scientists helped humanity have a better life through curiosity and deep looking.
Therefore, most of the inventions and discoveries in science owe to anybody who tries to disclose secrets. In any case, all efforts are valuable, and all attempts, even the slightest one, help develop science.
For instance, in algebra, Pascal’s triangle is also known as Khayyam- Pascal’s triangle because before Pascal, some mathematicians had studied this triangle. They were Persian mathematicians, and one of them was Khayyam.
In fact, Omar Khayyam had continued and repeated the works of another Persian mathematician called Al-Karaji (953-1029) in the eleventh century. However, this triangle is also called Khayyam’s triangle or Pascal- Khayyam’s Triangle.
The Works of Omar Khayyam at a Glance
The article tries to disclose facts concerning Khayyam and his works to familiarize more people with this great Persian scholar and poet. Khayyam wrote most of his works in Arabic, next they were translated into English, French, and Russian.
The original titles of each Arabic work are brought in phonetic transcription for the readers. Accordingly, Khayyam’s works in different subjects include the following matters:
Math
- Fe-albarahin ala al-masael al-jabr wa al-moghabelah (Proofs on algebra);
- Sharh ma Ashkala men Mosaderat Ketab Oghlidos (Explanations on Euclid);
- Moshkelat al-hesab (Arithmetic problems);
- Analysis of an algebra problem.
Philosophy
- Al-Kun and Al-Taklif (about the universe messages and human responsibilities);
- Al-Javab an Thalath Masael (answers to 3 questions);
- Al-zia al-aghla fel-mowzou al-elm al-koli (the reasoning behind the general knowledge);
- Zarurat Al-tazad fel Alam wa-al-Jabr wa-al- Bagha (the necessity of oppositions in the world, predestination, and surviving);
- The general knowledge about being known as the sequence of hierarchy;
- On being;
- On the good and evil occurrence.
Physics
Mizan al-hokm- also known as Sim and Zar (The scale of judgment- it’s all about judging the amounts of gold and silver in a thing composed of both these metals and determining the weight of things considering the weight of each thing in particular.)
Geography
Lavazem al-amkaneh (about seasons and the reasons for climate differences.)
Music
Explanation of the problem from the book of music
Astronomy
On the whole, Khayyam was also an astronomer. Before this, let’s learn how he was involved in correcting Jalali Calendar. Khayyam had been asked to correct the calendar of his time, known as the Jalali Calendar, by Nizam al-Mulk and Malik Shah Seljuk.
The name of that calendar refers to Malik Shah’s name, as his complete name was Jalaluddin Malik Shah. Actually, the Jalali calendar as a solar calendar was compiled during the reign of Jalaluddin Malik Shah, and their observation sites were in Isfahan, Rey, and Nishapur. Formerly, Isfahan was the capital of Seljuks.
Malik Shahi Zij (Zij is a table that shows the name, location, and time of rising stars. Literally, the word Zij means the representation of a shape in coordinate axes.)
History
- Norouz Nameh (on the emergence of Nowruz and the way the Arab Kings were);
- On Discovery of Nowruz Truth.
Literature
- Rubaiyat;
- Khayyam’s translation of “Praise Speech” written by Avicenna;
- The Testament.
Where is Omar Khayyam’s Tomb?
Khayyam’s Mausoleum is in the southeast of Nishapur. Native Persian speakers may pronounce the city name as “Neyshabur.” Morever Nishapur is 773 km (about 480 miles) away from the east of Tehran (Tehran is the capital of Iran) and 115 km (about 72 miles) away from the west of Mashhad Province.
One of the prominent works in the list of modern Iranian architecture is Khayyam’s tomb. Hooshang Seyhoun was a great architect who designed his first architectural masterpiece (the Memorial building for Avicenna’s Tomb) when he was 23.
Khayyam’s tomb opened on Farvardin 12, 1342 (April 2, 1963), and has attracted many domestic and international tourists up to now. Naturally Nishapur associates with the name of the well-known Persian poet Omar Khayyam.
The designer of Khayyam’s Mausoleum, Hooshang Seyhoun, was inspired by Khayyam’s life, time and thoughts. The construction is 22 meters high, an exterior concrete structure with interior steel located in a garden southeast of Nishapur City.
Previously, Khayyam’s tomb had no mausoleum. As Khayyam was a well-known poet for his Rubaiyat in Europe, western travelers from Europe were extremely excited to visit his birthplace.
European knew Khayyam through English translation of his Rubaiyat. Edward FitzGerald, the translator of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, successfully introduced Khayyam to Europeans, later Nishapur became a trendy area with international tourists.
The scanned document shows Omar Khayyam’s Mausoleum in Nishapur. His Rubaiyat are written around the construction.
Forever Iran is the country of culture and history, there are plenty of tourist attractions in every corner of this beautiful land. Iran is well-known for its art, architecture, monuments, nature, and great scholars. Every year many people from all over the world visit Persia.
Literature and poetry are an integral part of Iranian culture and language. This is why the Persian language, also known as Farsi, is so popular, and many likes to learn it. Through learning this beautiful language, visitors will be able to communicate with the friendly people of Iran. (To learn Farsi with Native Persian Tutors, click on the link).
To go sightseeing, tour guides will help the visitors and share all the facts and information about the visiting site as much as possible. Khayyam’s tomb is one of those historical sites that attracts many tourists annually.
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
All Rubaiyat of Khayyam are provided in books available on the GetBookOnline Store in Persian and English Editions. In brief, the Persian Edition contains all Rubaiyat in Persian with their phonetic transcription. Yet, the Persian-English Edition contains all Rubaiyat in Persian with their phonetic transcription and the translation of each quatrain- all Rubaiyat).
Undoubtedly, these books can be helpful for Persian language learners and poetry lovers. Not only will poems improve your understanding of the Persian language and history, but they’ll help you recognize Persian culture.
This book can be helpful for Persian language learners and speakers and enjoyable for poetry lovers of any age. Not only will poems improve your understanding of the Persian language and history, but they’ll help improve your understanding of Persian culture.
Highly Recommended for Poetry Lovers
The Rubaiyat of Khayyam with Phonetic Transcription (English-Persian Edition)
The Best Guide for Reading Poems of Khayyam with Phonetic Transcription (Persian Edition)
Omar Khayyam – Unveiling the Enigma of a Persian Polymath
In the realm of Persian literature, the legacy of Omar Khayyam stands as a testament to the enduring impact of his multifaceted contributions. As a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet, Khayyam’s intellectual prowess transcends time, captivating minds across cultures and generations.
Khayyam’s most renowned work, the “Rubaiyat,” resonates with timeless wisdom, a poetic exploration of the ephemeral nature of life, love, and the cosmic order. His verses, often interpreted as a celebration of the present moment, have earned him recognition as a philosopher.
Beyond his poetic brilliance, Khayyam’s mathematical achievements, particularly his contributions to algebra and geometry, highlight a profound intellect. His treatise on cubic equations and advancements in the study of conic sections demonstrate a harmonious blend of poetic intuition and mathematical rigor.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Omar Khayyam, the enigmatic nature of this Persian polymath becomes increasingly apparent. His ability to seamlessly intertwine scientific inquiry with poetic expression is a testament to the richness of Persian intellectual traditions.
The works listed above are the remaining masterpieces for Persia and all Persian lovers. Omar Khayyam was one of the great Persian scholars whose well-known works in mathematics and algebra were “proofs on algebra” and “Explanations on Euclid,” respectively.
The script of some of the above-mentioned works, such as Lavazem al-amkaneh (about seasons and the reasons for climate differences), are not currently available, but these missing works have been named in books written for Khayyam’s works.
If this exploration has sparked curiosity or left lingering questions about Omar Khayyam and his contributions, we invite you to reach out. The GetBookOnline.com team is here to answer your queries. Feel free to contact us for more information or if you seek a personalized exploration of Omar Khayyam’s profound impact on literature, science, and philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What language was the Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam in?
The Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam, renowned for its poetic brilliance, was penned in Persian. This classical Persian poetry, eloquent in its verses, reflects Khayyam’s profound contemplations on life and the human condition, creating an enduring masterpiece that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.
2. What did Khayyam discover?
Omar Khayyam made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the fields of algebra and geometry. His work on cubic equations and conic sections remains influential.
3. Why is Rubaiyyat important?
The Rubaiyyat is important for its profound philosophical reflections on life, love, and the human experience. Khayyam’s verses are celebrated for their timeless wisdom and poetic beauty.
4. Was Omar Khayyam a Sufi?
No, Omar Khayyam was not a Sufi. While his poetry may contain Sufi themes, Khayyam’s personal beliefs align more closely with a skeptical and questioning philosophy.
5. Who said “a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou”?
Attributed to Omar Khayyam, the line “a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou” encapsulates the profound simplicity and appreciation for the present moment found in his Rubaiyyat. This expression of contentment reflects Khayyam’s poetic philosophy, emphasizing the joy of life’s basic pleasures shared with a loved one.
References:
https://mathshistory.standrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Khayyam/
Ghanbari, M.R. (2005). Khayyam-Nameh. Kayyam’s Life, Philosophy & Poetry. Zavar.
Give yourself and others the gift of knowledge.