Zanjan Day Celebrated: Honoring Heritage and Community Spirit!
The birth anniversary of Sheikh Shahabeddin Sohrevardi, a prominent Iranian philosopher and the founder of the Iranian school of Illuminationism, is celebrated as Zanjan Day on July 30 in the Iranian calendar. This day is dedicated to cultural and scientific activities in the fields of gnosis and philosophy, honoring Sohrevardi’s significant contributions to Islamic philosophy.
Shahabeddin Yahya ibn Habash Sohrevardi (1154–1191) is renowned for establishing the Iranian school of Illuminationism, an influential branch of Islamic philosophy. According to the Mehr news agency, the light in his “Philosophy of Illumination” serves as the cornerstone of knowledge.
Sohrevardi holds the esteemed title of Shaikh al-Ishraq, or “Master of Illumination.” The Persian sage Mulla Sadra described him as the “Reviver of the Traces of the Pahlavi (Iranian) Sages.” In his magnum opus, The Philosophy of Illumination, Sohrevardi viewed himself as a restorer of ancient Persian wisdom. He offered a new Platonic critique of the peripatetic school of Avicenna, which dominated during his lifetime, addressing various fields such as:
- Logic
- Physics
- Epistemology
- Psychology
- Metaphysics
Sohrevardi’s life, though brief—spanning less than 40 years—was marked by prolific work that laid the foundation for the school of philosophy known as “Illuminism” (hikmat al-Ishraq). Henry Corbin noted that Sohrevardi aimed for a renaissance of ancient Iranian wisdom, leading to his title as the Master of Illumination. By 1186, at the age of 32, he completed his pivotal work, The Philosophy of Illumination.
Initially a staunch defender of Peripatetic philosophy, Sohrevardi was inspired by various figures, including:
- Plato from the Greek tradition
- Hermes (Thoth) from Egypt
- Pythagoras from Phoenicia
His philosophical endeavor aimed to revive the lost hikmat of both the East and West. Sohrevardi taught a complex emanationist cosmology where all of creation flows from the original Supreme Light of Lights (Nur al-Anwar). The essence of his philosophy is pure immaterial light, where nothing is manifest. This light unfolds from the Light of Lights in a descending order, leading to a horizontal array of lights that govern the physical world.
In his metaphysical framework, Sohrevardi categorized the universe and existence as varying degrees of light and darkness. His division of bodies considers their capacity to receive or not receive light. He believed that every soul has a prior existence in the angelic realm before descending into the physical body. The soul is seen as having two parts:
- One remains in heaven
- The other descends into the physical body
This dual nature causes the human soul to yearn for reunion with its celestial counterpart, as it can only achieve true happiness when united with it. Sohrevardi posited that the soul should seek fulfillment by detaching from the physical body and worldly distractions, aspiring to the realm of immaterial lights. Gnostic and saintly souls, upon leaving their bodies, ascend even higher than the angelic realm to be close to the Supreme Light, the ultimate reality.
Sohrevardi introduced the neoplatonic concept of an independent intermediary world, known as the imaginal world. His ideas have significantly influenced philosophical thought, particularly through Mulla Sadra’s synthesis of Peripatetic and Illuminationist perspectives on reality. His Illuminationist project has left a lasting impact on subsequent esoteric Iranian thought, with the notion of “Decisive Necessity” being a vital innovation in the history of logical philosophical discourse emphasized by many Muslim logicians and philosophers.
Born in 1154 in Sohrevard, a village situated between Zanjan and Bijar Garrus in Iran, Sohrevardi’s legacy continues to resonate in contemporary philosophy.
Introduction to Zanjan
Zanjan, located on the historic Commercial Silk Road, serves as a vital connection point between central Iran and the west and northwest regions. This province is approximately 338 kilometers from Tehran.
Characterized by its mountainous terrain, Zanjan experiences a cold, snowy climate in the mountains and a moderate climate in the plains during winter. Summers in Zanjan are warm, making it a diverse and appealing destination.
World City of Filigree Work
Designated as the “world city of filigree” by the World Crafts Council, Zanjan is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in filigree work. This intricate art form involves:
- Curling, twisting, or plaiting fine metal threads, especially silver
- Soldering them together to create beautiful designs
Handmade Knives
Zanjan is also famous for its stainless handmade knives, known for their exceptional cutting power, sharpness, and durability. The intricate patterns on their handles and linings further enhance their appeal.
Coppersmithing Tradition
The coppersmithing craft in Zanjan boasts a rich history, with unique motifs gracing a variety of copper products. This tradition dates back over a thousand years, rooted in the Sassanid era.
Soltanieh Dome
One of the most remarkable Islamic sites in Zanjan is the Soltanieh Dome, which dates back 700 years. Commissioned by Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh (Oljaytu), this architectural marvel is the largest brick dome globally and the third tallest dome, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.
Colorful Mountains of Mahneshan
The breathtaking scenery of Mahneshan’s colorful mountains, featuring hues of red, brown, green, orange, yellow, and white, captivates visitors. These stunning landscapes are ideal for photographers and mountain climbers alike.
Zanjan Anthropological Museum
Located in the historic Rakhtshooy Khaneh, a former wash house, the Zanjan Anthropological Museum showcases sculptures of the region’s historical inhabitants engaged in traditional washing practices. This museum offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Zanjan residents.
Salt Men Museum (Zolfaghari Mansion)
The Zolfaghari Mansion houses several remarkable mummies discovered in the Chehrabad Salt Mine, dating back to the Achaemenid and Sassanid eras. These well-preserved remains provide invaluable insights into ancient Iranian history.
Historical Bazaar of Zanjan
The traditional bazaar of Zanjan, established in 1784, is the longest covered market in Iran. Divided into two sections, the bazaar is home to various professions, mosques, caravansaries, and public baths, illustrating the rich cultural and economic life of Zanjan.
