Ferdowsi, Abu Mansour and Parthian Feudal Ideals

The legendary poet of Iran, Ferdowsi, in the prelude of his collection of poems, Shahnameh, has sincerely praised the former ruler of his hometown, the city of Tous, Abu Mansour Mohammad ibn Abdul-Razzaq. The author of this article believes two cultural and political factors have led to this development. Culture-wise, Abu Mansour has gathered the poems of Ferdowsi in the framework of Shahnameh. Also, based on the descriptions rendered by Ferdowsi on Abu Mansour, the latter must have been a Parthian. Abu Mansour maintained feudal ideals, such as non-centralized power and compromise in religion. Hence, given that Abu Mansour intended to revive the feudal traditions of his forefathers, and was against the centralized ruling systems of Ghaznavid and Abbasid caliphs of his era, he has been praised by Ferdowsi. Hence, it can be said that two cultural and political factors have led Ferdowsi to praise Abu Mansour.