SHIREEN FARHAAD

In ancient Persia, during the reign of King Khosrow Parviz, a tale of love and sacrifice unfolded, immortalized in Nizami Ganjavi’s Khamsa. SHIREEN, an Armenian princess of radiant beauty and wisdom, became the heart of this story. Her charm captivated Khosrow, who learned of her through his friend Shapur’s vivid paintings. Enchanted, Khosrow sought her out, and their paths crossed at a spring, igniting a mutual passion. However, political upheaval forced Khosrow into exile, delaying their union and setting the stage for a tragic love triangle.

Enter FARHAAD, a humble yet gifted sculptor whose heart was ensnared upon glimpsing Shireen. Unlike the regal Khosrow, Farhaad’s love was pure, untainted by ambition. His devotion shone through his art, crafting masterpieces inspired by Shireen’s grace. Shireen, though bound to Khosrow, was touched by Farhaad’s sincerity, fostering a tender connection. Khosrow, consumed by jealousy, devised a cruel plan to eliminate his rival. He tasked Farhaad with an impossible feat: carving a canal through the formidable Behistun Mountain to bring water to a barren land. The task was meant to break Farhaad, but he embraced it, driven by his unwavering love.

Farhaad toiled day and night, his chisel echoing his devotion. He carved Shireen’s likeness into the mountain, transforming his labor into a monument of love. His progress alarmed Khosrow, who feared Farhaad might succeed. Resorting to deceit, Khosrow sent a messenger with false news of Shireen’s death. Devastated, Farhad could not bear the thought of a world without her. In despair, he threw himself from the mountain’s peak, his life extinguished by a broken heart. His death left Shireen grief-stricken, burdened by guilt over the sculptor’s selfless sacrifice.

Meanwhile, Khosrow reclaimed his throne and married Shireen, but their love was fraught with challenges. Khosrow’s infidelities and political struggles strained their bond, and Shireen often reflected on Farhaad’s pure devotion, which contrasted with Khosrow’s flaws. The story reached its tragic climax when Khosrow was murdered by his son Shiroy, who coveted Shireen. Unwilling to submit to Shiroy and heartbroken by Khosrow’s death, Shireen chose death over dishonor, taking her own life beside her beloved’s body.