Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam – Neyshabur

Khayyám (1048 – 1131) was a Persian poet, mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. His contributions to science is considered to be much ahead of its time. However what made his name eternal, are his poems.

“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

Khayyám was born in Nishapur, located in the northeast of Iran. This is also were he died and was eventually buried. His poems have been translated in many languages and are appreciated by scholars around the world. Some even consider him the most famous poet of east in the west.

His style of poetry is unique but well recognized. Most of his work are small quatrains also known as Ruba’I, which have deep philosophical meanings about life.

And, as the cock crew, those who stood before
The Tavern shouted–“Open then the Door!
You know how little while we have to stay,
And, once departed, may return no more.

Some for the Glories of This World; and some
Sigh for the Prophet’s Paradise to come;
Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go,
Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!

The tomb of Omar Khayyam is located in Nishapur and is considered a masterpiece of Iranian architecture. This mausoleum was constructed in 1963 and since then has become one of the most visited sites in Iran for poetry enthusiasts.

And much as Wine has play’d the Infidel,
And robb’d me of my Robe of Honour–Well,
I wonder often what the Vintners buy
One half so precious as the stuff they sell.

Near the mausoleum of Khayyam, there is a library and a museum. Upon entering the area, you will see a statue of Khayyam..

On the main memorial monument, there are 20 inscriptions of Khayyam’s poems in rhombus facets. The architect of this memorial is Houshang Seihoun, who passed away in 2014.

Khayyam’s poems are still very popular even between the Iranian youths. Below you will find a music track by Bahador Kharazmi which has Khayyam’s poems as its lyrics.

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