Hafez poems published in Romanian

A selection of poems from the Divan of Hafez by the 14th-century lyric poet of Persian classical literature Hafez Shirazi has been published in Romanian in Bucharest.

Entitled ‘Hafez: The Nectar of Love, Ghazals Selected from the Divan of Hafez’ (Hafez: Nectarul Iubirii, Ghazaluri alese din Divan-ul lui Hafez), the poems have been translated into Romanian by Sara Esterabadeyan, a visually impaired Iranian translator who lives in Bucharest.   

Editura Integral has published the book with contributions from the Embassy of Iran to mark 120 years of diplomatic relations between Iran and Romania.

The book carries 200 poems from the Persian masterpiece Divan of Hafez. It is the most complete Romanian edition ever offered in the world.    

Dan-Silviu Boerescu, who is a literary critic, praised the book for its good translation, and described Hafez as a gem, which must be viewed from different angles, and people should know his poetry as much as his perception.

In her preface to the book, Esterabadeyan wrote, “Hafez is the poet most representative of Persian cultural identity and spirituality.”

“In the home of every Iranian, there is at least one edition of the Divan of Hafez, because this poet of love is well known as Lisan al-Ghayb, the interpreter of secrets or the speaker of the unseen.

That is why there is an ancient practice deeply rooted in Persian tradition called fal-e Hafez, a form of communication with the inner realm through Hafez’s revelatory verses.

It is only necessary to ask a question or an intention for which you seek guidance, and then, saying a short personal prayer from your heart, open Hafez’s book and read the ghazal that catches your eye. There, you will find a message that your soul will decipher to reveal what you need to know.”

“I wish you much inspiration in using this book as a divinatory tool.”

MM/FM