Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• mohammad khoddami ¹
• majid rashidipour ²

¹ Faculty of Literature and Humanities. shiraz university. shiraz. iran

² faculity of literature and humanities. shiraz university. shiraz.iran

Abstract

The chronogram (mādda-tārīkh) is a distinct genre within Persian literature with a history spanning over a thousand years. In addition to its appearance in manuscripts and on monumental inscriptions, epitaphs and tombstone texts have served as significant mediums for the expression of this literary form. One of the most prominent sites preserving such examples is the historical Dār al-Salām Cemetery (Darb-e Salam) in Shiraz. The present study aims to identify, categorize, and analyze various forms of chronogram composition specific to this cemetery. Relying on both direct fieldwork and indirect archival research conducted over several years, the authors examined approximately 1,500 poetic verses inscribed on 228 gravestones, ultimately identifying and selecting 45 previously undocumented examples dated from the 11th to the 14th centuries AH. Given the limitations of earlier studies—chiefly their reliance on traditional classifications derived from classical textual sources—this article proposes a revised typology, including: numerical, lexical, poetic (metrical), and concealed forms (through omission or aggregation). These forms are analyzed across various dimensions, including method, literary devices, thematic content, and linguistic function, supported by statistical frequency data and graphical representation. The findings indicate that the majority of identified chronograms belong to the Qajar period, which is attributed primarily to the presence of skilled poets in Shiraz at the time. In terms of overall frequency, the typologies rank as follows: concealed (through omission or aggregation), poetic, numerical, and lexical. Preferences for each form appear to be influenced by factors such as a desire for elevated literary expression, the relative difficulty or ease of composition, stylistic and linguistic trends of the era, and the poets’ technical ability. In some cases, these verses also include references to the deceased's name, profession, or cause of death, offering valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical context of each period.

Keywords

• Chronogram
• Abjad letters
• Funerary inscription
• Dār al-Salām Cemetery
• shiraz

Main Subjects

• ادبیات قدیم