Kurdish Studies

ISSN: 2051-4883 | e-ISSN: 2051-4891
Email: editor@kurdishstudies.net

Oriental Whispers: Unveiling Chinese Cultural Influences in Classical Kurdish Literature

Shabnam Dadparvar
Associate Professor in the History and Culture Department, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu, China
Ismael Shams
Assistant Professor; Department of Language and Literature, University of Allameh Tabataba'i, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Kurdish Literature, Chinese Cultural Elements, Persian Literature, Gorāni, Sorāni, Kurmānji..

Abstract

The integration of Chinese elements into Kurdish poetry has engendered a multifaceted tapestry of literary expression, underscoring the constructive repercussions of cross-cultural influences. The magnetic allure of the Silk Road, an ancient trade route bridging the realms of the East and West, has left an indelible imprint on Kurdish literature and folklore. In addressing this subject, the article, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, endeavours to scrutinise the manifestation of China in Kurdish texts through the compilation of data obtained via text analysis and examination of primary sources in Kurdish literature (Diwāns). In pursuit of this objective, the works of eminent figures spanning classical to contemporary periods of Kurdish literature have been meticulously investigated. Given the substantial influence of Persian literature on Kurdish authors, a comparative analysis of specific narratives becomes noteworthy for discerning readers. Notably, within the prominent narrative of Khosrow and Shirin, the character Farhād is conspicuously depicted as Chinese in certain texts. Similarly, in Kurdish literary contexts, Prophet Māni in Persian texts, assumes the role of a distinguished Chinese painter. This research intricately mirrors a triangular prism, illustrating the interconnection and linkage between Kurdish, Iranian, and Chinese cultures and works of literature. Within the tapestry of Kurdish literature, China emerges as a compelling vision, embodying both global dominance and utopian ideals—a vision remarkably prescient of our contemporary geopolitical landscape. According to the research findings, in the eyes of Kurdish writers, China has become a utopia, a symbol of unparalleled power, prosperity, and aesthetic charm. This consistent positive depiction serves as a testament to the idealised qualities associated with China—a beacon of prosperity and cultural richness in the narratives. The admiration embedded in the positive imagery of China in Kurdish literature thus underscores a profound appreciation for what is perceived as the zenith of power, affluence, and aesthetic allure within the tapestry of Chinese civilisation

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Keywords

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