Proverbs and Wisdom in Selected Poems of Omar Khayyam

Abstract

 

Proverbs and wise sayings are considered among the most prominent manifestations of popular culture and the literary heritage of nations. They reflect accumulated historical experiences, beliefs, moral values, and patterns of social life. In addition to their instructional and educational roles, these linguistic elements play an influential part in enriching literature and transmitting profound human concepts from one generation to the next.

The poetry of Omar al‑Khayyām al‑Nīshāpūrī goes beyond emotional and aesthetic dimensions; it is rich in wise themes and expressions closely connected to proverbs and traditional sayings. This study, using the descriptive‑analytical method, aims to examine the significance of proverbs and wisdom in a selected number of al‑Khayyām’s poems and to reveal their role in clarifying the poet’s philosophical, ethical, and social perspectives.

The findings of the research show that al‑Khayyām—contrary to the common image of him as a bold poet who defies conventions—expresses his ideas through rational logic and symbolic language. Through wisdom and proverbs, he offers a balanced vision that brings together the enjoyment of life, awareness of mortality, and philosophical contemplation. These characteristics have contributed to the enduring presence of his poetry in the cultural memory of Iranian society and beyond.