(Nawrūznāma. A literary treatise from the Seljuk period)نوروزنامه. یک رسالهٔ ادبی دورهٔ سلجوقی

The article explores the historical, cultural, and literary significance of the Nawrūznāma, a didactic Persian text from the Seljuk period. The Nawrūznāma is a treatise that delves into the origins, traditions, and customs associated with Nawrūz, which is celebrated at the spring equinox. The text is divided into two main sections: the first part discusses the history and astronomical aspects of Nawrūz, including the Iranian solar calendar and its reforms, while the second part focuses on the courtly customs and gifts presented to the King of Kings during Nawrūz celebrations. The article provides a detailed analysis of the two surviving manuscript versions of the Nawrūznāma -the Berlin Manuscript and the London Manuscript- and an isolated fragment of it preserved in an Indian miscellaneous manuscript of Zoroastrian texts. It highlights the differences between these manuscripts, such as gaps in the text and variations in the organization of chapters, and discusses the challenges in reconstructing the original text. The article addresses the debate surrounding the authorship of the Nawrūznāma, which is traditionally attributed to the famous Persian poet and astronomer Omar Khayyam. However, the author raises doubt about this attribution, citing inconsistencies in the text and the lack of explicit references to Khayyam's known works. The article concludes by situating the Nawrūznāma within the broader context of Persian literature, particularly the genre of "nawrūziyya", which focuses on the celebration and customs of Nawrūz. The text is seen as a valuable historical document that reflects the cultural and literary milieu of the Seljuk period, blending Iranian traditions with Islamic influences. Overall the Nawrūznāma is presented as a significant work that not only preserves ancient Iranian customs but also serves as a bridge between pre-Islamic and Islamic Persian literary traditions.