Mir Jalaeddin Kazzazi believes that rewriting masterpieces of Persian literature including Attar Neyshaburi is the best way for modern audiences to contact with such texts. However, rewritings will be useful only if they encourage readers to pick up the original texts.

IBNA: "Rewriting masterpieces of Persian literature including works by Attar is beneficial if it encourages readers to pick up the originals," Kazzazi said; "Yet it would be harmful if the rewritings replace the originals and the reader thinks that reading a rewriting is sufficing for him. 

Elaborating on the preconditions for rewriting the classics, he said: "That is why most of the rewritings of literary masterpieces are intentionally meant for various age groups of audiences, and often for children, teenagers and young adults, because these groups of readers are not educated and informed enough to pick up the complete original masterpieces and understand them." 

Kazzazi continued: "Although most of these rewritings are also simplified and abridged in order to be adapted to the level of their audiences, it should be kept in mind that the only purpose of compiling these texts is to offer initial familiarization with literary masterpieces so that they can be motivated to read the originals of texts like Mantiq Altayr of Attar or other masterpieces." 

Highlighing the relationship between literary rewritings and their originals, Kazzazi explained: "The rewritings should be related with the first text in two aspects of form, and message. A rewritings is a concise and simplified version of the original, yet the language and the body format should keep appearance of the masterpiece so that it can familiarize the reader with the writing style of the original writer and linguistic as well as aesthetic characteristics of the work." 

He continued: "If the form and content and the message of the rewriting is in accordance with the original text, it could be claimed that the rewriter has been successful in his task and then we can see rewritings of Attar's works that call the readers to study the original masterpiece." 

He finally added: "Of course when a writer creates a drama or works of fiction based on or inspired by a literary masterpiece, we are actually facing another literary creation that belongs to the second writer and is not necessarily loyal to the original text. This is also a useful way of communication with classical masterpieces of Persian literature. 

April 13, birthday of Attar Neyshaburi, is called the national Day of Attar in Iranian calendar. Iranian literati are going to gather in Neyshabur to celebrate National Attar Day on April 13 and 14 this year.

Id : 133813