active 14th century Hafiz

Born in Shiraz and active in the 14th century, Hafiz is one of the best-known poets in Persian literature. He is especially celebrated for his ghazals, short lyric poems that blend romance, wit, beauty, and mystical feeling in a voice that can seem intimate one moment and playful or piercing the next.

His collected poems, usually known as the Divan of Hafiz, traveled far beyond Iran and influenced readers, poets, and translators across the world. Many admirers have turned to his verses not only for literary pleasure but also for reflection and even everyday divination, a sign of how closely his work has stayed connected to ordinary life.

Even centuries after his death, Hafiz remains a living presence in Persian culture. His tomb in Shiraz is a famous place of remembrance, and his poetry is still quoted for its warmth, music, and layered meanings.