Saadi of Shiraz (c. 1210 – 1291/1292) was a Persian poet and prose writer renowned for his wisdom, lyrical style, and social philosophy. His works, Bustan and Gulistan, are among the most celebrated in Persian literature, earning him the title Master of Speech.
Born in Shiraz, Saadi studied in Baghdad at the prestigious Nizamiyyah school before traveling across the Islamic world. His experiences – captivity during the Crusades, encounters with rulers, and years of wandering – deeply influenced his writings. Bustan is a poetic exploration of virtues like justice, humility, and love, while Gulistan, a mix of prose and verse, offers anecdotes on morality, governance, and human folly.
Saadi lived through the Mongol invasions, witnessing vast political and social upheavals. Despite this, his poetry conveys universal themes of compassion and resilience. His verses continue to inspire Persian literature and are frequently quoted in Iran and beyond.