What is it about?
The article is about the description and admiration of the nose by Nakhshabi. He was a fourteenth century poet, mystic and a man of the sciences of his times including medicine. He was also famous for his Persian translations and writings which he used to disseminate Sufi teachings. In his book Chihil Namus (Forty Namus), he follows the Sufi attitude that the human body has a special place and admires the nose, along with thirty-nine other body parts created by God.
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Why is it important?
It is important because it enriches the field of sensory perception in the Islamic world. This article opens a window to the worldviews of a Sufi poet about the significant function of the nose not only in perceiving the physical and material, but also in connecting to the realm of transcendence. The study of the text also has literary and socio-cultural significance. For example, the Sufi poet shows his linguistic dexterity by using the Persian word "bini" (meaning the nose) to both embellish his text and also to convey mystical ideas, socio-cultural ethics and values.
Perspectives
I find the perspectives of the author, Nakhshabi, fascinating. Introducing this Sufi poet and his thought-provoking perspective of human body, and sensory capabilities was a great pleasure. I hope this article becomes a part of the enjoyable process of generating new thoughts and ideas.
zhinia noorian
Universiteit Utrecht
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nakhshabī (d. 751/1350) on the Nose, July 2024, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004515932_026.
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