# Attar of Nishapur

> Persian Sufi poet (c. 1145 – c. 1221)

**Wikidata**: [Q194091](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194091)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attar_of_Nishapur)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/attar-of-nishapur

## Summary
Attar of Nishapur was a Persian Sufi poet and philosopher (c. 1145–1221) known for his works in Persian poetry, including *The Conference of the Birds* and *Tazkirat al-Awliya*. His contributions to Sufi literature and mysticism remain influential in Islamic and Persian cultural traditions.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 1145 (Nishapur, Persia)
- **Nationality**: Persian
- **Education**: No formal education details provided
- **Known for**: Writing *The Conference of the Birds* and *Tazkirat al-Awliya*, key works in Sufi poetry and biographical literature
- **Employer(s)**: No specific employers listed
- **Field(s)**: Poetry, philosophy, Sufism

## Contributions
Attar of Nishapur's most notable works include:
- *The Conference of the Birds*, a Persian poem that explores Sufi themes and spiritual dialogue.
- *Tazkirat al-Awliya*, a biographical book detailing the lives of Sufi saints.
These works are celebrated for their poetic and philosophical depth, influencing later generations of Sufi poets and scholars.

## FAQs
**What is Attar of Nishapur known for?**
Attar of Nishapur is known for his Persian poetry and Sufi writings, including *The Conference of the Birds* and *Tazkirat al-Awliya*.

**Where was Attar of Nishapur born?**
He was born in Nishapur, Persia (modern-day Iran).

**What genres did Attar of Nishapur write in?**
He wrote in the genres of masnavi, prose, ghazal, and Ruba'i.

**What is the significance of *The Conference of the Birds*?**
*The Conference of the Birds* is a key Sufi poem that explores spiritual themes and is widely studied in Islamic and Persian literature.

**What is *Tazkirat al-Awliya*?**
*Tazkirat al-Awliya* is a biographical book by Attar that details the lives of Sufi saints, contributing to the genre of Sufi biographies.

## Why They Matter
Attar of Nishapur's poetry and writings have had a lasting impact on Persian and Islamic literature. His works, particularly *The Conference of the Birds*, remain influential in Sufi traditions, inspiring later poets and scholars. His biographical work, *Tazkirat al-Awliya*, has been widely referenced in the study of Sufi saints. Without Attar, the development of Persian Sufi poetry and biographical literature might have been different.

## Notable For
- Author of *The Conference of the Birds*, a seminal Sufi poem.
- Writer of *Tazkirat al-Awliya*, a significant biographical work in Sufi literature.
- Influenced later Persian and Sufi poets, including Hafez.
- His mausoleum, Attar Mausoleum, is a national heritage site in Iran.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Attar of Nishapur was born around 1145 in Nishapur, Persia. Little is known about his early life, but his works suggest a deep engagement with Sufi mysticism and Persian literature.

### Literary Career
Attar's most famous works include *The Conference of the Birds*, a Persian poem that explores Sufi themes, and *Tazkirat al-Awliya*, a biographical book detailing the lives of Sufi saints. His poetry is characterized by its philosophical depth and mystical insights.

### Influence and Legacy
Attar's works have influenced later Persian and Sufi poets, including Hafez. His poetry and biographical writings remain central to Sufi literature and are studied in academic and cultural contexts.

### Cultural and Historical Honors
Attar's mausoleum, Attar Mausoleum, is a national heritage site in Iran. His legacy is preserved in Persian literature and Sufi traditions.

### Connections to Other Figures
Attar was influenced by earlier Sufi mystics and poets, including Bayazid Bastami. His works have inspired later generations of Persian and Sufi writers.

### Themes and Style
Attar's poetry often employs symbolic language and explores themes of spirituality and mysticism. His style is marked by its philosophical depth and poetic beauty.

### Historical Context
Attar lived during a period of significant cultural and intellectual development in Persia. His works reflect the spiritual and literary traditions of his time.

### Modern Reception
Attar's works continue to be studied and admired in Persian-speaking cultures. His poetry and biographical writings remain influential in Sufi and Islamic studies.

## References

1. The Cambridge History of Iran
2. BnF authorities
3. Library of the World's Best Literature
4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/bayezid-i-bistami)
9. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index1.html)
10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
11. LIBRIS. 2012
12. [Source](http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/object/EA2012.88)
13. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/attar-feriduddin)
14. Digital Scriptorium Catalog