Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Governance of the Wise and Ethics in the Political Thought of Ferdowsi and Saadi and Its Reflection in the Illustrated Manuscripts of the Shahnameh and Bustan Preserved in the Cairo Museum

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Mousapour 1
Ali Heidary 2
Ghasem Sahraei 3
Mahdi Zolfaqhari 4
1 PhD student, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
4 Associate Professor, Political Science Department, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22034/ias.2023.388326.2172
Abstract
The governance of the wise—or, in other words, entrusting critical affairs of state to competent administrators—is among the most essential components of good governance, and rulers must base their actions upon this principle to achieve it. Ferdowsi is one of the great thinkers who articulated his sociopolitical theories and views on good governance, as well as the challenges of rule and society. This study, drawing on library resources and employing an analytical-descriptive approach, examines the political reflections and ideas of Ferdowsi and Saadi concerning the governance of the wise and its role as a macro-indicator of good governance. Ferdowsi posits that many of society’s problems can be resolved by leveraging the capacity of the wise or by embracing meritocracy and competence-based selection within the governing system. Awareness of these reflections and ideas fosters the intellectual and political growth of the people and serves as a warning to rulers. Moreover, the guidance found in the works of these great thinkers and cultural figures can serve as a model for present and future administrators.
Research Objectives:

Analyzing the principles and criteria of wise governance in the Shahnameh and Bustan.
Elucidating the dimensions and nuances of Ferdowsi’s and Saadi’s thought within the framework of Iranian discourse on governance.

Research Questions:

What were the principles and criteria of wise governance and politics according to Ferdowsi and Saadi?
What similarities and differences exist between the views and ideas of Ferdowsi and Saadi on governance?
Keywords
Governance
Politics
Meritocracy
Ferdowsi
Governance of the Wise

Subjects

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