314th Commemoration of Bidel Held in Istanbul, Türkiye

For the first time, the 314th anniversary of the passing of Abu’l-Ma‘ani Mirza Abdul-Qadir Bedil, the eminent Persian Dari poet and mystic, was commemorated in a grand ceremony at the Writers’ Association Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye. Poets, scholars, Bidel researchers, and admirers of his work gathered to honor his profound literary and spiritual legacy.
Organized by the Sokhan Cultural Association in collaboration with the Bidel Lovers’ Association, the Writers’ Union of Türkiye, and the Hafez Studies Center of Medeniyet University, the event opened with remarks by Laili Ghazal, a prominent Persian-language poet and the moderator of the session. Ms. Ghazal highlighted Bidel’s intellectual depth and literary achievements, describing him as one of the great masters whose works continue to demand deeper reading and understanding even after centuries.
Zohur Mazhar, head of the “Sokhan Cultural Association”, welcomed the guests and participants, calling the event a significant cultural milestone—one that, for the first time in Türkiye, was held jointly with host-country cultural institutions.
Dr. Shafaq Turgay, Dean of the Faculty of Persian Literature at Medeniyet University, discussed the influence of Bidel’s poetry within Türkiye’s cultural sphere. He emphasized that Bidel has long been recognized and appreciated among the country’s literary and academic elites.
Bidel scholars delivered a series of insightful presentations:
• Mohammad Popal spoke on “Helplessness in Bidel’s Poetry.”
• Shahbaz Airaj, writer and journalist, analyzed “Compound Expressions in Bidel’s Poetry.”
• Obaid Safi explored “Bidel’s Mysticism and His Sufi-Inspired Verse.”
Saadullah Haqyar, a Persian Dari poet and writer recited a poem honoring Bidel’s thought and character. Additionally, Uranus Mosammim and Naqibullah Khatibi, members of the Sokhan Cultural Association, recited selected verses from Bidel, enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the gathering.
Vocalist Qais Maroof, from Afghanistan performed musical pieces based on Bidel’s poetry, bringing renewed energy to the event and artistically extending the power of Bidel’s words across the hall.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, members of the Sokhan Cultural Association presented appreciation awards to several cultural figures in recognition of their contributions to advancing Bidel studies and preserving the legacy of this great literary master.
Mirza Abdul-Qadir Bedil (1054–1133 AH), the renowned Persian Dari poet, mystic, and philosopher, was born in Azimabad, India (present-day Patna). After 79 years of life, he passed away on the 4th of Safar 1133 AH. Today, he is regarded as one of the towering figures of the Indian Style (Sabk-e Hindi) in Persian Dari poetry. Each year, on the anniversary of his passing—known as Urs-e-Bidel—scholars, cultural institutions, and admirers gather to revisit and celebrate the depth of his thought and language.