Living under the Samanid dyansty in modern-day Tajikistan, Rudaki is considered the first of the great classical Islamic Persian poets and the father of Tajik literature. Despite being a celebrated, patronised court poet, he would fall into poverty near the end of his life dying blind and alone.

To discuss with us today the life, works and legacy of Rudaki is Ali Hammoud. Ali Hammoud is a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University. He is broadly interested in Shīʿīsm and Islamicate intellectual history.

Q1. Rudaki was born around 858CE and died around 941CE at around 83 years old. He lived under the Samanid dynasty who at their height ruled much of modern day central Asia under the auspices of the Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad. Tell us about the cultural context in which he was born.

Q2. We know little about his life. We know we he was patronised by the Samaind vizier Abū al-Faḍl al-Balʿamī. What else can we say with certainty about his life?

Q3. Rudaki was as much a musician and singer as he was a poet. How is his work characterised.

Q4. If people want to learn more about Persian literature in general, where would you recommend they start? What translations would you recommend of Rudaki?

Q5 Finally before we end, give us a sample of Rudaki's work.

Ali Hammoud:
https://x.com/AliHammoud7777
https://alihammoud7.substack.com/