A Persian Love Story

With my thoughts being consumed about the protests happening in Iran over the last few weeks, I found myself yearning to be closer to my vatan (homeland) in any way possible. Watching my favourite Iranian shows, listening to Googoosh on repeat, and reading up on some unsung Persian stories, including the tender yet pitiful story of Khosrow and Shirin.

There is a certain unrest in Persian love stories; never safe nor simple and definitely not neatly tied together. Written by Nizami Ganjavi, a 12th century poet, this is a tale framed about royalty, politics and desire.

Pictorial Persian Sarouk rug of Shirin and Khosrow

Khosrow, heir to a powerful throne, first hears of Shirin through stories of her undebated beauty, intelligence and virtue. Fuelled by the idea of her, a spark ignites in the young nobleman, and he sends messengers, letters, and gifts to the Armenian princess to bridge the gap between them. Meanwhile, Shirin, cautious of love and the sting it can bring, does not surrender herself immediately but responds with measured curiosity. Slowly, over time, through letters and secret visits their connection built mutually. For the paired lovers, politics and pride conspired against them. As crown prince, Khosrow could not act solely on desire, and Shirin was bounded by her own sense of honour to not rush dangerously into the arms of a powerful man she barely knew. The long delays to their reunion define the depth of their love.

Then we have Farhad, sweet Farhad. A young man of immense skill who falls hopelessly in love with Shirin. Although she recognises his kind nature and devotion to her, her heart is with Khosrow. Farhad, in his obsession, carves a channel through a mountain to bring water to Shirin’s palace – a task almost seemingly impossible, undertaken with love so pure it almost feels unbearable to imagine. In many ways, he is the embodiment of a man with a heart who will give everything and ask for nothing. He does this tirelessly, believing Shirin will eventually choose him. But Khosrow, fearing that Farhad might win his lovers heart, sends a messenger to Farhad, falsely claiming that Shirin had died. The news was too much to bear for the talented sculptor who tragically throws himself off a cliff.

A lot of people may read this story and think the heart of the myth is patience. Khosrow and Shirin do not meet and swiftly fall in love, instead they are tested by distance, circumstance and his obligations that come in hand with his wealth and status. Their love stretches over years, deferred by duty and principle. A love that doesn’t seem easy but teaches us the value of endurance. A glaring reminder that what is worth pursuing is never simple.

However, when I read the story of these two lovers, I saw Farhad as the heart of the myth. A sculptor, a lover, and a man undone by the enormity of his devotion. Farhad’s commitment to Shirin is heartbreaking as it is pure, uncalculated and uncompromising. He loves her without guarantee, without convenience and without any reward. As Valentine’s Day approaches, which now often celebrates easy gestures and public declarations of red roses and stuffed bears, Farhad reminds us that love is not always convenient nor fulfilling. Love for someone, or a country, can be painful. It demands courage, patience and an undefeated willingness to risk everything without certainty. He teaches us that devotion itself, despite being unseen or unreciprocated, is a form of heroism.

A silent Valentine of mountains carved by hand.

sham x