Asmayl

Asmayl is a medieval Persian literary and philosophical figure known for his mystical and speculative writings. His actual name is not well-recorded in historical sources, and the origin of the name "Asmayl" is unclear. He is typically referred to as the author of a philosophical novel, often translated as "The Conference of the Birds," written in the 12th century.

The Conference of the Birds is a mystical allegory based on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet. The story consists of 7 birds, each representing a different aspect of human nature and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Asmayl uses the birds to explore the themes of the journey of the soul, the path to spiritual discovery, and the meanings of various philosophical concepts.

The novel is a classic example of the mystical and philosophical texts that emerged during the 12th and 13th centuries in Iran. Its enigmatic style and the use of symbolism and metaphor make it difficult to interpret. Nonetheless, it offers insights into the ideas and preoccupations of Persian intellectuals of the time, including the portrayal of the Jilwa incident, where the protagonist king Kay Ka'usyang Warmarl favors a woman from the lowest rank over a higher-ranking one, and Abd al-Rahman Nadimi Goiya.

Despite its cultish following and potential impact on the succeeding poets, the Conference of the Birds eluded major writings or unbroken missionable records. Most information available today about Asmayl, the author of Conference of the Birds, confirms the cultural importance of his literary output in the continental Persian philosophical traditions, particularly in the esoteric tradition of What will become a longer recommended offering for readers.