Antoni GONZALO CARBÓ

The cosmological and alchemical path of seven colors (haft rang) in the Haft paykar of Niẓāmī Ganǧawī (m. ca. 570-610/1174-1222)

La senda cosmológica y alquímica de siete colores (haft rang) en el Haft paykar de Niẓāmī Ganǧawī (m. ca. 570-610/1174-1222)

Published in Mirabilia Journal 31 (2020/2)  

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From a miniature belonging to a magnificent Iskandar Anthology (Persia, Šīrāz, 1410-11, folio 66v; Lisbon, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation), the cosmology, the symbolism of the seven colors (haft rang) and the alchemical progression are analyzed in the mystical tale Haft paykar (Seven princesses) by the Persian poet Abū Md. Ilyās b. Yūsuf Niẓāmī Ganǧawī (d. ca. 570-610 / 1174-1222). This inner path of transmutation through colors (ch.:pp.: black: HP26:180-181; yellow: HP27:196-197; green: HP28:214; red: HP29:234; blue: HP30:266-267; sandalwood: HP31:291 and white: HP32:315) ends, in tune with the Iranian tradition (Mazdeism, Zoroastrianism, išrāqī illuminative wisdom), with the color white, symbol of the purity of the soul and enlightenment.