Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Khorasanخراسان

kho-rah-SAHN

The great eastern province of Iran.

In the poem: First at B10.30, Kay Khosrow Comes before Kavus; last at E10.12, Mahwi of Sur Takes the Throne
Named: 27 times, in 21 sections
Main stories: E6 Khosrow Parviz (7); E10 Yazdegard (4); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (3)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Khorasan most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Khorasan. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B10.30

Kay Khosrow Comes before Kavus

Kavus embraces his grandson. Khosrow describes his exile and how he played the fool before Afrasiab, then praises Giv’s deeds. Kavus rewards Giv with a charter to rich provinces and gives Farangis a golden residence.

B10.30.46
On parniyan a royal charter namedKhorasan, Rey, Qum, Isfahan, proclaimed.

Khorasan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.2

Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab

With Piran dead, Kay Khosrow calls up the whole realm against Afrasiab. He gives Rostam, Gudarz and Tus three roads to watch, summons every province by letter, and sets out his order of battle: wings, elephants, crossbowmen, spearmen and reserves.

C4.2.82
From Khorasan more warriors joined the tide,Who sought the world, as judges keen, clear-eyed.

Khorasan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.19

Afrasiab Sends Jahan to Khosrow

Jahan comes out of the fortress as envoy and is received with honor. Afrasiab’s message praises Khosrow, blames the Div for Siavash’s murder, laments the ruined cities, warns of winter and of fresh armies, offers all his treasure for peace, and threatens to vanish beyond Kimak.

C4.19.69
Khorasan, Makran lie before your feet;Whatever you may gain, to me is sweet.

Khorasan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.23

Bahram Instructs His Officials

At a feast Bahram dictates a long edict to his officials: justice for the oppressed, seven years without taxes, relief for debtors, schooling for children. Heralds carry it through the provinces, and spring is proclaimed a holiday. He then sends Narsi to govern Khorasan.

D10.23.65
“Depart from here with signet ring and crown;Khorasan’s realm is yours in field and town.
D10.23.71
Two weeks the journey took; then Narsi came,And ruled Khorasan in his brother’s name.

Khorasan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E1.5

Anooshirvan Marches against the Khan

The Shah’s council urges caution: the Heytalians deserve their ruin for Pirooz’s blood, but Rum may strike while the Shah is in the east. He rebukes them for growing soft on banquets, and at the new moon leads the army out of Madain toward Gorgan.

E1.5.45
Still, if the Shah should go to Khorasan,We shall have cause to tremble for Iran.
E1.5.57
To Khorasan I will lead the array,And summon every province on the way.

Khorasan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.11

Bahram Chubin Claims the Throne

Bahram puts the question of the throne to Iran’s chiefs. Some hail him, some urge him to seek Khosrow’s pardon; when one proposes waiting for a royal heir, Bahram swears to behead any woman of the royal line. A written pact is signed and sealed, and he is crowned.

E6.11.22
He spoke and sat; Khorasan’s chief drew near,And stood before Bahram devoid of fear.
E6.11.42
Keep power in Khorasan; live in peace,And write to him to let your quarrel cease.
E6.11.48
Khorasan’s words were lofty in their tone;Yet in them wisdom’s light has never shone.

Khorasan named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.44

Bandvi Is Slain by Khosrow

Secure at last, Khosrow can no longer bear that his father’s killer is also his kinsman. He has Bandvi bound at the wine-board and his hands and feet cut off, and sends a rider to summon Gostaham out of Khorasan.

E6.44.12
When you have read this letter of command,Make haste to me and leave Khorasan’s land.’”
E6.44.13
He reached Khorasan, bearing words of grace,To lure the unsuspecting to the place;

Khorasan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.5

Yazdegard Withdraws to Khorasan

Farrokhzad urges the Shah to rebuild his strength in Tabaristan. Yazdegard refuses to abandon his people, then chooses Khorasan, counting on the Turks, a marriage into Faghfoor’s house, and Mahwi of Marv, whom he raised from nothing. Farrokhzad warns that base stock never changes.

E10.5.27
Our better course is toward Khorasan’s ground,Where we may rest beyond the battle’s sound.
E10.5.47
He set his face toward Khorasan’s plain,And counted little all the road and pain.

Khorasan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 21 sections that name Khorasan