Abstract:
The cultural life of Shirvan (Sharvan), Georgia’s neighbouring country
located in the northeastern part of present Azerbaijan achieved significant
development in the 12th century. Both towns and town lifestyles developed;
in conditions of Georgia’s suzerainty, diverse relations were established. A
significant Persian-language literary school was formed at the royal court
of Shirvanshahs. The odes and eulogies composed by the royal panegyric
poets provide ample historical data regarding the lives and activities
of Shirvanshahs. Those literary works also provide information about the
roles and fates of the royal poets.
An outstanding representative of this school is Khaqani – Shirvanshahs’
court poet and panegyrist. Khaqani got a heavy destiny of a panegyrist
poet. His creative work includes both – court lyrics and prison elegies.
Khaqani’s poetry is interesting from diverse points of view. His poetry
is distinguished by diversity, musicality, and complexity of form; it is rich in philosophical terms, rhetoric figures, historical and literary reminiscences,
and hints. He reveals his erudition; he appears to have a profound knowledge
of religion, especially of Christian theology.
As it is known, on his mother’s side Khaqani was related to the Christian
community and he was well-acquainted with this world. He knew Georgia
quite well, he knew the Georgian language and corresponded with Georgian
nobility. The poet often mentions representatives of the Georgian royal
dynasty – the Bagrationi and their residences. Georgian toponyms, ethnonyms,
and terms related to Georgian culture are also frequent. In certain
cases, the texts include Georgian words and expressions that are rhymed
with Persian words and thus create an impressive poetic effect. Sometimes
it is difficult – even impossible – to comprehend Khaqani’s texts without
considering the Georgian realia. Georgian scholarly literature and translation
practice has always treated the above-mentioned problems with due
attention and now with the increased interest toward Christian-Muslim relations
Khaqani’s work is even more impressive.
