Spanish scholar completes first-ever translation of Persian masterpiece Shahnameh
First Spanish translation of Persian epic Shahnameh bridges cultural and literary worlds
TEHRAN (MNTV) – The Persian epic Shahnameh, written by Ferdowsi between 977 and 1010 CE, has been translated into Spanish for the first time in over a thousand years. Beatriz Salas, a Spanish professor based in Tehran, undertook the decade-long project, describing the experience as “mystical” and deeply transformative.
The Shahnameh, spanning 50,000 couplets, is the longest epic poem by a single author and Iran’s national literary treasure.
Salas was introduced to the text serendipitously when Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNESCO sought a Spanish translator in 2009.
Despite initial hesitation, Salas took on the challenge, with help from her Iranian husband and other collaborators.
Salas, who has lived in Iran for 30 years, shared her journey in multiple interviews with the press.
She recalled her first encounter with the Shahnameh through children reenacting the tale of Rostam and Sohrab shortly after her arrival in South Khorasan.
This moment sparked her fascination with Ferdowsi’s work, which she describes as a timeless guide to morality, family values, and human connections.
The translation process was arduous, spanning seven volumes and interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salas worked with pen and paper, relying on a team to digitize the text and ensure its dissemination.
The first volume was printed by the Venezuelan Embassy as a luxury edition, though funding challenges arose later.
Salas has since traveled to Spanish-speaking countries to promote the Shahnameh.
Audiences in Spain, Mexico, and beyond have been captivated by its universal themes and insights.
“Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh teaches how to be a better human being,” Salas said, drawing parallels between ancient Persian wisdom and contemporary issues like the ethical use of technology.
The translation also highlights the Shahnameh’s influence on global literature, including echoes in Cervantes, Shakespeare, and even Game of Thrones.
Salas emphasized Ferdowsi’s enduring legacy as a sage whose work transcends borders, preserving Persian culture and inspiring generations worldwide.
“This is not just an Iranian masterpiece; it belongs to humanity,” Salas affirms.
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