Description

Shabistān-i nukāt va gulistān-i lughāt (Sanctum of allusions and rose garden of words) is a well-known work by the poet Muhammad Yahya ibn Sibak Fattahi of Nishapur (died 1448 or 1449). In the architecture of Iran, the word shabistan denotes a columned hall, generally an inner sanctuary of a mosque (the word has also been rendered into English somewhat incongruously as “bedchamber”). Its use in the title of this work is perhaps related to the idea of the mystery and esotericism associated with the many epigrams, metaphors, and witticisms collected ...