Lost in Translation? The Challenges and Triumphs of Translating Persian Poetry

Persian poetry, with its lush metaphors, intricate rhyme schemes, and layered meanings, is one of the world’s richest literary traditions. From the mystic ecstasies of Rumi to the bittersweet ironies of Hafez, from Ferdowsi’s epic grandeur to Khayyam’s philosophical quatrains, Persian verse has captivated audiences for over a millennium.

But for those who do not speak Persian, access to this treasure relies on one crucial and complex bridge: translation. What is gained—and what is inevitably lost—when Persian poetry crosses into another language, especially English? Can the soul of a ghazal survive such a journey? Or are we reading beautiful shadows of the original?

Let’s explore the challenges and triumphs of translating Persian poetry—and why even flawed translations still matter.

The Beauty (and Difficulty) of the Original

Persian poetry thrives on ambiguity, wordplay, and sound. A single word may carry spiritual, romantic, and satirical connotations all at once. The language’s flexibility allows poets to dance between meanings without firmly landing on one—a quality that feels mystical to some, elusive to others.

Take the word mey (wine), for instance. In different contexts, it can signify literal wine, divine ecstasy, spiritual knowledge, or rebellion against religious dogma. Or consider the ghazal form: with its radif (repeating refrain) and intricate meter, it creates a rhythmic spell that can’t be mirrored easily in English.

To translate such richness requires not only linguistic skill but poetic sensibility—and sometimes, brave compromise.

Challenges of Translation

1. Form vs. Meaning
   Should the translator preserve rhyme and …