Alexander, the Mongols, and the great epic of Iran

Key Concepts:

• Shahnama (Book of Kings): The great epic of Iran, written by Firdawsi in 1010, consisting of approximately 50,000 verses. It narrates the history of Iranian kings from mythical times to the Arab conquest.
• Alexander the Great: A Greek ruler who invaded Iran and burned Persepolis but was later embraced in Iranian culture and included in the Shahnama. His story in the Shahnama focuses on his mortality despite his power and wealth.
• Mortality: A central theme in the Shahnama, particularly in the context of Alexander's quest for immortality.
• Great Mongol Shahnama: A commissioned copy of the Shahnama by the Mongol Ilkhanates to establish their legitimacy by drawing parallels between themselves and Alexander the Great as conquerors.
• Visual Testimony: The painting serves as a visual record of luxury objects and cultural elements of the time.

The Shahnama and its Significance

The Shahnama, or Book of Kings, is considered the great epic of Iran and a unifying text for Iranians. Completed in 1010 by the poet Firdawsi, it comprises around 50,000 verses detailing the history of Iranian kings, starting from mythical rulers and ending with the fall of the Sasanian dynasty and the Arab conquest. The epic is divided into 50 reigns. While the early rulers are mythical, the narrative transitions to quasi-historical figures, with Alexander the Great marking the beginning of the historical section.

The Mourning of Alexander the Great

The video focuses on an illustration from a Shahnama manuscript depicting the mourning of Alexander the Great. Despite Alexander's invasion of Iran and destruction of Persepolis, he is mourned in the Shahnama, reflecting his later integration into Iranian culture. The painting captures the intense emotion of the scene, with figures expressing agony and despair around Alexander's casket.

• Emotional Depiction: The artist conveys deep emotion through the figures, such as the female figure laying across the casket and Alexander's mother throwing herself onto the coffin.
• Aristotle's Presence: The figure of Aristotle is shown bending over, seemingly crying and holding a handkerchief.
• Confined Space: The artist confines the scene to an interior space to intensify the emotion surrounding the coffin.

Visual Elements and Symbolism

The painting is rich in visual details that underscore Alexander's importance and wealth. The symmetry of the architecture and lavish decoration highlight his status.

• Luxury Objects: The interior is filled with luxury objects, including monumental candles, a hanging lamp, carpets, textiles, and tiles, providing a visual testimony of the material culture of the time.
• Coffin as a Symbol: The coffin serves as a stand-in for human mortality, a central theme in the Shahnama.

Alexander's Mortality and Firdawsi's Message

The Shahnama emphasizes Alexander's mortality despite his power and wealth. Throughout his story, Alexander searches for immortality, seeking the Water of Life and passing through the Valley of Darkness. Firdawsi uses Alexander's mortality as a foil to highlight the universal human condition.

• Firdawsi's Ending: Firdawsi concludes his epic with a reflection on his own legacy, stating that his work will ensure his name and reputation endure beyond his death. "I've reached the end of this great history. And all the land will fill with talk of me. I shall not die, these seeds I've sown will save my name and reputation from the grave, and men of sense and wisdom will proclaim, when I have gone, my praises and my fame."

The Great Mongol Shahnama and Legitimacy

Following the Islamic conquest of Iran, new rulers commissioned copies of the Shahnama to become part of the historical legacy. The Mongols, who initially caused significant damage in Iran, also commissioned the Great Mongol Shahnama.

• Alexander as a Model: The manuscript emphasizes Alexander, possibly to draw a parallel between him as a conqueror and the Mongols, thereby establishing their legitimacy.
• Largest Alexander Cycle: The Great Mongol Shahnama contains the largest number of illustrations of the Alexander Cycle, with 12 surviving.
• Ilkhanates' Perspective: The Mongols likely viewed Alexander as a perfect model for their own conquest and rule in Iran.

Conclusion

The Shahnama, particularly through illustrations like the mourning of Alexander the Great, serves as a powerful cultural and historical artifact. It explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the integration of foreign figures into Iranian identity. The commissioning of Shahnama copies by various rulers, including the Mongols, demonstrates its enduring importance as a tool for establishing legitimacy and connecting to Iranian history. The painting not only depicts a historical event but also provides a visual record of the material culture and emotional landscape of the time.