Persian Poetry Manuscript Tradition

Timeline

1. c. 1300–1405Cities of Persia and Central Asia · PersiaSince the 14th century, manuscripts of Hafez and Sa'di's poetry circulated in Shiraz, Tabriz, and elsewhere, with calligraphy and decoration becoming increasingly refined, laying the paradigm for large-scale production of poetry manuscripts at the Timurid court.
2. 1420–1433Herat · HeratBaysunghur established a royal library in Herat, organizing scribes and binding craftsmen to produce luxurious manuscripts such as the Shahnameh; the production process and decorative standards for poetry and epic manuscripts became increasingly institutionalized.
3. 1441–1450Herat and Samarkand · Timurid successor statesAfter Shahrukh's death, Herat and Samarkand continued producing manuscripts such as Hafez's Divan and Jami's poetry collections; calligraphy, illustration, and binding had clear divisions of labor, and manuscripts circulated in the Islamic world as diplomatic gifts and prized collectibles.
4. 1501–1600Isfahan and Tabriz · IranSafavid rulers continued to patronize poetry manuscripts; Nasta'liq calligraphy and miniature illustration reached new heights; the manuscript tradition influenced Ottoman and Mughal court book production until printing gradually changed modes of dissemination.