Firdawsi's Shahnameh and Ghaznavid Patronage

1010 CE · Gazne (Afganistan) · cultural

The Persian poet Firdawsi presented the great Iranian epic the Shahnameh (Book of Kings) to Sultan Mahmud; Mahmud, however, did not grant the reward the poet expected.

The episode symbolizes the tension inherent in Turco-Iranian patronage. The Shahnameh likewise shows how central Persian culture was at the Ghaznavid court.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Firdawsi's Shahnameh and Ghaznavid Patronage?
The Persian poet Firdawsi presented the great Iranian epic the Shahnameh (Book of Kings) to Sultan Mahmud; Mahmud, however, did not grant the reward the poet expected.
When did Firdawsi's Shahnameh and Ghaznavid Patronage happen?
1010 CE
Where did Firdawsi's Shahnameh and Ghaznavid Patronage take place?
Gazne (Afganistan)