Alexandria, VA- Rumi House hosted the second session of the Bedil Studies lecture series dedicated to the study of Mirza Abdul Qadir Bīdel, focusing on “Bīdel’s Intellectual World and Cultural Environment.” The gathering brought together scholars, cultural figures, university professors, researchers, and admirers of Persianate literature for an in depth exploration of the poet’s intellectual milieu.
Mohammad Yousuf Simgar Bakhtari delivered the keynote presentation, offering an analysis of the philosophical, cultural, social, and historical forces that shaped Bīdel’s worldview. He emphasized that Bīdel’s engagement with philosophical and mystical traditions, alongside the social conditions of his era, played a decisive role in forming the poet’s distinctive intellectual identity. According to Professor Simgar, understanding Bīdel’s works requires careful attention to these broader cultural and environmental contexts.
The program concluded with a question and answer session, allowing participants to raise inquiries and engage in dialogue on the themes discussed. The interactive exchange added depth to the session and encouraged further reflection among attendees.
The “Bidel Studies” series continues on a monthly basis, offering a sustained platform for examining the life, thought, and literary contributions of Mirza Abdul Qadir Bīdel, one of the most influential figures of the Indo Persian Dari intellectual tradition.