Literary Gems in Early Histories: The Narrative Art of Bayhaqi

Abū’l-Fażl Aḥmad b. Ḥājjāj b. Maḥmūd al-Bayhaqī (c. 995–1077 CE) stands among the premier Persian historians of the Ghaznavid era. His Tarikh-i Mas‘udi (often called Tarikh-e Bayhaqi) transcends mere chronicling of events—Bayhaqi’s vivid storytelling, rich characterization, and elegant prose elevate his work into a literary masterpiece. In this post, we’ll explore the narrative artistry that makes Bayhaqi’s history both a crucial source for medieval Iran and a delight to readers of fine prose.

1. Context and Canvas: History as Story

Bayhaqi served in the court of Sultan Mas‘ud I and witnessed first-hand the intrigues, battles, and politics of the early 11th century. Rather than limiting himself to a dry annalistic style, he embraced the historian’s role as storyteller:

• Selective Anecdotes: Bayhaqi chooses episodes that reveal character—the generosity of a vizier, the folly of a courtier, the pathos of a captured warrior.

• Scene-Setting: He paints courtly banquets, battlefields, and city life with sensory detail, transporting readers into the moment.

• Dialogues and Speeches: By recording imagined or reported speeches, he animates historical figures, making their motivations transparent and their triumphs or downfalls poignant.

2. Character in Relief: Portraits of Power

One of Bayhaqi’s signature techniques is his psychological insight. He does not simply record that Sultan Mas‘ud imprisoned his brother or dismissed a vizier; he delves into the emotional subtext:

“The Sultan’s eyes, usually guarded and austere, softened as he spoke of the empire’s peril—yet in the next breath, they flashed with ruthless resolve.”

Through such passages, …