The transformation of form and meaning in the literary genre of Khamriyeh and Saqinameh
Subject Areas : Research in Iranian classical literaturesomayye khorshidi 1 * , ahmad rezaei 2
1 - Ph.D Student in Persian Language and Literature, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
2 - Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
Keywords: Khamriyeh, Saqinameh, Transformation, Literary genre.,
Abstract :
The transformation of form and meaning
in the literary genre of Khamriyeh and Saqinameh
Somayyeh Khorshidi *
Ahmad Rezaei Jamkarani **
Saqinameh is a form of poetry that originated within the genre of lyrical poetry. This type of literature has evolved with changes in form and content, introducing new themes such as mystical, political, critical, and protest issues in different periods. It appears that Saqinameh was merely a transformation in the form and content of Khamriyeh. From these formal and content transformations, various linguistic, rhetorical, and intellectual devices of Saqinameh have also evolved in the context of historical developments, and their dominant element has changed form and content. In this study, the author first explored the origin and development of Saqinameh as a literary genre, comparing the linguistic, rhetorical, and intellectual elements of Khamriyeh and Saqinameh. The evolution of Saqinameh was investigated using an inductive-analytical method from its inception to the present day. The research results indicate that the literary genre of Khamriah evolved, eventually leading to the development of Saqinameh. Early Saqinameh were influenced by Khamriyeh and incorporated linguistic elements related to seizing opportunities and the words of the wind. Over time, these works became intertwined with social, cultural, and religious developments, and they came to convey various meanings, including allegorical, mystical, and political interpretations.
Keywords: Khamriyeh, Saqinameh, Transformation, Literary genre.
Introduction
The *Sāqī-nāmeh* (Cupbearer’s Ode) is an evolved form of the
*khamriyāt* (wine poetry), which originally emerged in Arabic literature and later found its way into Persian poetry. Over time, the early wine poems transformed into *sāqī-nāmeh*, undergoing significant changes not only in form but also in meaning. These shifts in meaning, across different historical periods, reflect how the personal concerns of poets expanded to encompass broader reflection. As a result, the vivid, sensual imagery of early wine poetry gradually gave way to more philosophical, mystical, social, and political undertones under the influence of deeper intellectual currents. Despite these numerous transformations, wine and its associated elements have remained the central focus of this literary form, regardless of its underlying themes.
Literature Review
In this study, the approach is to examine both form and meaning in *Khamriyeh * and *sāqī-nāmeh* poetry through the evolution of their core element—namely, the term *bādeh* (wine) and its related expressions. Analyzing the linguistic and rhetorical devices in both genres helps uncover the surface structure, while delving into the semantic layers of these terms reveals the impact of political and social developments on the poets’ perspectives, especially in the *sāqī-nāmeh*.
Discussion
Structurally, *sāqī-nāmeh* poetry, by blending themes of wine poetry with philosophical and mystical discourse, offered a creative platform for poets. Initially appearing as part of larger poems (*non-independent sāqī-nāmeh*), it later emerged as a distinct genre (*independent sāqī-nāmeh*). This genre progressed alongside *khamriyāt*, often using the *masnavī* form and the *motaqāreb* meter, which had traditionally been used for storytelling. However, due to growing ideological pressures and the stifling of free thought in later periods, the original aesthetic and hedonistic essence of *sāqī-nāmeh* was gradually altered. As social and political transformations intensified, this poetic form began to intertwine the poet’s inner lyrical world with external conflicts and realities, resulting in diverse variations such as allegorical, mystical, and socially critical *sāqī-nāmeh*s. The evolution of *Khamriyeh* into *sāqī-nāmeh* in Persian poetry reflects a shift in poets' worldview and literary aims. With the emergence of intellectual and cultural crises in later eras, a new outward form named *sāqī-nāmeh* was created, which significantly differed in structure, meaning, and discourse.
Conclusion
The *sāqī-nāmeh* genre, which began as an offshoot of wine poetry, eventually gained independence and can be categorized into three main types: early *sāqī-nāmeh*s, mystical *sāqī-nāmeh*s, and socially engaged *sāqī-nāmeh*s. Through changes in structure and content, it diverged from *Khamriat* and aligned more with rationalist and idealist thinking. A linguistic and rhetorical analysis of both genres reveals how *sāqī-nāmeh* gradually developed a unique identity in terms of poetic form and meter, while the vocabulary related to wine took on symbolic, mystical, or allegorical meanings. At first, descriptions were concrete and sensory-based, but over time, they acquired religious, mystical, and symbolic dimensions. This evolution shaped the nature of metaphors and similes in both genres and reflected unique ideological shifts. In particular, *sāqī-nāmeh* poetry mirrors diverse social attitudes, including critique, protest, rejection of dogmatic asceticism, and condemnation of hypocritical piety.
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* Corresponding Author: Ph.D Student in Persian Language and Literature, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
khorshidi13@gmail.com
** Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
A52_2006@yahoo.com
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