From the East to the world a universal portrait of a genius: Nizâmî Ganjavi’s position in literature and institutional representation

Abstract

Nizâmî Ganjavi, one of the leading figures of Classical Eastern literature, is recognized as a “universal genius” due to his influence as a Turkish poet writing in Persian, an influence that has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries for over eight centuries. This study aims to analyze Nizâmî’s international standing not merely from the perspective of literary influence, but from a “data-driven” perspective, examining institutional representations and interdisciplinary activities. Within the scope of this research, data obtained from the datasets, library catalogs, and scholarly publications of cultural and research centers worldwide, primarily the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and the Oxford Nizâmî Ganjavi Centre (ONGC), were examined using the document analysis method, categorized and evaluated through descriptive document review. The study focuses on the traces of Nizâmî’s legacy, extending from miniature painting to music, and from theater to cinema, as well as its reflections in the institutional and academic spheres. In conclusion, it is underscored that Nizâmî Ganjavi is a universal value situated at the heart of world literature and validated by prestigious international institutions, rather than being merely a regional poet. This article intends to highlight the contemporary institutional and academic reflections of Nizâmî’s universal heritage.