Baba Taher, one of Iran’s most cherished poets, is renowned for his profound insights into the human condition. Writing primarily in the local dialect of Hamadan, his quatrains reflect themes of love, pain, and spirituality. His unique blend of mysticism and raw emotion has earned him a place in the hearts of readers for centuries.
A key element of his poetry is the use of simple yet powerful language. One quatrain beautifully captures the universality of human struggles:
“هَر آن کِه دِل بِرَد، آرامِ جِگر
بُوَد گَنجی، ولی دِل بَر نَبَر
چِرا یارَم جِگر خون بُود؟
خُدا را گُوی که باز آید سَحَر”
Translation:
“Whoever steals the heart, calms the soul,
A treasure indeed, but let not the heart be taken.
Why does my beloved leave my heart in pain?
Ask God to bring the morning back.”
Baba Taher’s poetry connects deeply with both individual and collective emotions, making his verses timeless. The simplicity of his words belies the profound wisdom they carry. His themes often revolve around longing—whether for a beloved, a spiritual awakening, or solace from pain.
In Hamadan, where Baba Taher lived and wrote, his legacy is celebrated with a mausoleum built in his honor. This structure is a symbolic reminder of the enduring power of his words. His quatrains are not just poetry; they are windows into a soul seeking unity with the divine and peace with the world.