Abstract
This paper examines the representation of China in classical Persian poetry. By analyzing the interplay between poetic devices, myth, imagination, and reality, we investigate how Persian poets constructed and conveyed their understanding of China. Early Persian depictions of China were often shrouded in mystery and legend, shaped by limited firsthand knowledge and cultural stereotypes. The opening of the Silk Road facilitated increased cultural exchange, leading to a more nuanced understanding of China. However, even with greater exposure, a tendency to idealize China persisted, particularly before the Mongol invasion. Chinese emperors were portrayed with reverence, and Chinese artifacts were imbued with symbolic significance. Despite these idealized representations, classical Persian poetry also extols cultural tolerance and respect for diversity. It acknowledges the scientific and industrial achievements of the Chinese and celebrates their cultural heritage. By inviting readers to engage critically with historical contexts and social implications, Persian poets contribute to the formation of a knowledge community that shares epistemic criteria and standards. Ultimately, this study reveals the complex and evolving nature of Persian perceptions of China. Through the lens of poetry, we gain insight into the cultural, historical, and literary factors that shaped these perceptions.
Keywords
Literature, Poems, Iran, China, Cultural communication, the Silk Road
Citations
IRE Journals:
Akbar Shirini , Shen Xudong , Teng Xinyi
"A Mirror Against the Celestial Empire: Representation of China in Classical Persian Poems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 9 2025 Page 1062-1074
IEEE:
Akbar Shirini , Shen Xudong , Teng Xinyi
"A Mirror Against the Celestial Empire: Representation of China in Classical Persian Poems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(9)
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