შირვანის ლიტერატურული სკოლა: პოეტი ქალი მეჰსეთი განჯავი

Abstract

In the 12th century, a powerful Persian literary school was developed at the royal court of Shirvan Shahs. This school included world famous poets like Abu-L-Ala, Falak, Khaqani... One of the most interesting, almost legendary persons in this poetic circle is a frivolous poetess Mehseti. She is distinguished by her controversial nature and bold poems. The data of her biography, personal life and literary activities are also controversial. The scarce data preserved in literary museums and libraries allow diverse interpretations; the authors of old tezkeres (Dawlatshah Samarqandi, Hamdallah Qazvini) provide diverse information, which leads to the skeptical attitude of European scholars (Browne, Horn, Vambery). The etymology of her Takhallus (literary pen-name, honorary title) is also diverse. The Persian collocation of consonants is read in diff erent ways: Mehseti, Mahsati, Mahasti, Mahisti... Hence, the title is related either to the moon or a great, glorious lady (Bertels, Browne). Due to the bold and piquant nature and unbridled demonstration of feelings in her rubayat, there was even an attempt to consider her as a male poet (however, this attempt failed). Some scholars even doubted that she was a real person... According to old tezkeres, Mehseti was a maidservant of “Great Seljuk” – Sanjar (1118-1157). Later, after impromptu reciting one four-line verse (rubai), she became Sanjar’s court poetess and singer. According to other data, Mehseti was first a mistress of the poet Taj ad-din Ahmad ibn Hatif Ganjavi and later became his wife. The novel written by the poet Jahar tells about this love affair. The novel is written in the style of a dialogue. The verses are distinguished by the diversity of images and abundance of puns. It is highly probable that an important portion of the poetic dialogue is formed by popular rubai. Recent research has proved that Mehseti was a real person born in Ganja in 1089. She was well-educated for her period, was good at playing chess and well aware of oriental poetry and music. Mehseti herself was famous for her poetry and singing. At the royal court of the Shahs of Shirvan, she often took part in the poetic meetings and contests.