The Mystical Behavior of «Mantiq al-Tayr» in the Style of «Behzad»

Document Type : Scientific- Research Article

Authors

1 Instructor, Painting Department, Shiraz University of Art, Shiraz, Iran.

2 Instructor, Painting Department, Shiraz Institute of Higher Education in Art, Shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

Attar is a pioneer in the field of mystical literature, and Kamal al-Din Behzad is one of the most prominent painters in Iranian art history. Both figures made significant contributions to Iranian culture, expressing its depth through symbolic and enigmatic expression. The painting under examination is an illustration by Behzad depicting a scene from Attar’s Mantiq al-Tayr (The Language of the Birds). This study explores the interplay between literary and visual symbolism, and the extent to which the complexity of Iranian mystical thought is reflected through artistic representation. It is hypothesized that Behzad, beyond visualizing the symbolic narrative of Mantiq al-Tayr, employed his own semantic creativity to construct new conceptual layers. The aim of this research is to identify symbolic elements in the painting and examine their alignment with the literary text. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and is based on library sources. The central question is: how did Behzad convey Attar’s religious and mystical ideas through the medium of painting? Findings suggest that while part of the painting directly illustrates the narrative, the overall composition reflects Behzad’s interpretive freedom. The symbolic elements used in the painting are not confined to the specific story of “the long-bearded man”; rather, they draw from various sections of Mantiq al-Tayr, reflecting Attar’s broader mystical vision. In visualizing the poem, Behzad integrates his own worldview with Attar’s, thereby completing the narrative. Behzad’s challenge lay in translating abstract mystical themes into visual language, given the inherent differences between literary and pictorial expression. The story of “the long-bearded man” portrays the illusion and dependency of the ascetic figure. Behzad expands this narrative through visual elements that depict stages of self-cultivation, harmonizing the development of the individual with that of nature. He renders Attar’s surreal symbolism in a realistic and everyday visual context.

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References

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Journal of Applied Arts
Volume 5, Issue 3 - Serial Number 19
November 2025
Pages 81-93

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 October 2024

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