Beyond Academia

This page contains my own writings, along with reviews and summaries of some other books I have read and found insightful. The paragraphs are selected because they offer something valuable to the reader and encourage them to explore the entire book. The books span topics such as history, literature, classical poetry, political science, and cultural studies. Although the books are not categorized, a certain order and coherence have been maintained to make them easy to navigate.

• A Review of “Iranian Identity: The Medieval Islamic Period” by Ahmad Ashraf

  The book consists of the collected articles by Ahmad Ashraf, a professor at Columbia University, such as “Iranian Identity: Medieval Islamic Period”, translated in Persian by Hamid Ahmadi, a professor at the University of Tehran. In this book, Ashraf aims to reinterpret Iranian national identity through a historical and literary lens, drawing upon modern perspectives of contemporary orientalists. By referencing the construction of European nationalism, which entered Iranian political discourse during the Persian Constitutional Revolution, Ashraf seeks to present a clear and coherent depiction of the formation of Iranian nationalism, rooted in the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

• An Excerpt from the Gulistan of Saadi

  Gulistan (The Rose Garden), written in 1258 by Saadi Shirazi, is a classic work of Persian literature combining stories and poetry to share lessons about morality, justice, love, and life. Using simple anecdotes and reflections, Saadi offers practical wisdom drawn from his experiences. While rooted in the culture of medieval Persia, the Gulistan continues to be relevant as a guide to ethical living.

• An Excerpt from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

  The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam, written in the 11th century is a collection of quatrains reflecting on themes of life, death, love, and the passage of time. With a mix of philosophical depth and simplicity, Khayyam questions existence, celebrates life’s fleeting moments, and explores humanity’s search for meaning.

• Selected Sections from The Eunuch of Constantinople by Zülfü Livaneli

  The Eunuch of Constantinople by Zülfü Livaneli is a historical novel set in the Ottoman Empire, exploring themes of power, identity, and social roles. The story follows the life of a young boy who is transformed into a eunuch and serves in the imperial palace. Through his experiences, the novel delves into the complexities of the human condition, the impact of societal structures, and the struggle for personal freedom.

• An Excerpt from Shahriyar’s Turkish Poems

  Shahriyar’s Turkish Poems is a collection of Azerbaijani poetry by Mohammad-Hossein Shahriyar, an influential Iranian poet of the 20th century. Born in 1906 in Tabriz, Iran, Shahriyar is renowned for his contributions to both Persian and Azerbaijani literature. His most celebrated work, Heydar Babaya Salam, is considered a pinnacle in Azerbaijani literature.