Khajovi Kermani; An abandoned treasure in his hometown

Mehr News Agency – Provinces Group: The prominence of Kermani Khajovi has been neglected and Kerman, which could be a destination for literary tourism, has not yet been able to achieve a worthy position in the introduction of Khajovi.

Khajovi Kermani; From romantic sonnets to poetic mysticism

Kamaluddin Abu al-Ata Mahmoud bin Ali Kermani, known as Khajui Kermani, was born in Kerman in the 8th century. He is a poet whose sonnets played a key role in the evolution of Persian literature as a bridge between Saadi and Hafez. His works such as Homai and Homayun, Gol and Nowruz, Samnameh and Rozeh Anwarare full of romantic, mystical and moral themes.

Khajo was not only a poet, but also a great thinker who enriched Persian literature by using mystical and religious themes. He was called “Sheikh” due to his skill in lyric writing loversHe is famous and his sonnets have inspired Hafez and other great poets. However, despite his high literary status, he is little known and noticed in his hometown.

Kerman; A city that ignores its poet

Kerman, as the birthplace of Khaju Kermani, could naturally be the origin of diverse cultural programs and a focal point for his commemoration; But this city has failed to introduce this great poet and his cultural heritage. Except for Khajo Square, which is the only reminder of his name, there is no program or landmark to keep his memory alive.

While Shiraz has turned Hafiziyah into a cultural and tourism symbol and Neishabur has turned Attar and Khayyam's tomb into the center of world attention, Kerman has not benefited from Khajo's capacities for cultural growth and attracting tourists. Even on the 17th of December, which can be an opportunity to hold festivals, scientific and literary meetings or artistic events related to Khajo, no special action is taken.

Why has Kerman neglected Khajo?

The lack of attention to literature and culture in the priorities of city managers is one of the most important reasons for this neglect. Investment in the field of culture and art is usually placed in the shadow of construction or economic projects, and Khajo has been a victim of this approach.

Many people of Kerman are not even familiar with Khajo's life and works. This issue is rooted in the lack of education and culture in schools and universities. Khajo is a familiar name for the people of Kerman, but they often do not know that this name is the symbol of one of the most important figures in the history of Persian literature.

In Kerman, there is no museum for Khajo, no center to display his works and ideas. Even among domestic and foreign tourists, Kerman is not known as the birthplace of Khajo.

Kerman, due to its historical position, with many personalities including Yaqoub Leith Safari is known as Shah Nematullah Wali and Green Dome. This focus on other figures may have made Khajo disappear among these names.

A bitter comparison with other cities

When we look at cities like Shiraz, Tus, or Neishabur, the void of honoring Khajo in Kerman is felt more. In Shiraz, Hafeziya and Saadiyeh are not only places to commemorate these poets, but also tourist and cultural destinations. Tos, with Ferdowsi's tomb, is a symbol of the national identity of Iranians. Even the smallest cities have been able to keep their native culture alive by holding literary festivals; But Kerman, with all its capacities, has failed to create such a platform.

solutions; Returning the position of Khajo to his hometown

In order to revive the name and memory of Khajovi Kermani in Kerman, the following actions can be suggested: building a museum to display manuscripts, biography and works of Khajovi can be a big step in introducing him.
Holding festivals of poetry and literature on the occasion of Khajoo Day, with the presence of poets and researchers, can revive his name, turning a historical place into the house of Kerman literature, which is specially dedicated to Khajoo and other Kermani poets, publishing books, articles and Making documentaries about Khajojo and his influence on Persian literature can increase public awareness, and introducing Kerman as the birthplace of Khajojo and designing tourist routes related to him can also provide an economic opportunity.

Khajovi Kermani is not only a great poet, but also a part of the cultural identity of Kerman. By investing in his introduction and commemoration, this city can take a big step towards reviving its cultural identity. Although the neglect of Khaju has lost many opportunities in the past years, it is still possible to restore this great poet to his rightful place with careful planning.

What do the people of Kerman say?

In order to better understand the feelings of the people of Kerman towards the status of Khaju Kermani and the shortcomings in the commemoration of this great poet, we conducted conversations with several Kerman residents. Their comments show that although they are proud of Khajoo, they are disappointed by the lack of attention given to him.

Zahra, who is a master's student in Persian literature, says with regret: We have read a lot about Khajui Kermani in university classes and we consider him an influential poet in Persian literature, but when I look at my own city, I see that there is no sign of honoring him; Even many of my friends do not know that Khajo was from Kerman. He continues: Why shouldn't there be a museum or a center to introduce the works of this poet? Khajo deserves more respect.

Ali Rezaei, a retired teacher, complains about the lack of attention to city naming: Khajo is one of the biggest figures in the history of this city, but the only thing we have in his name is a square that most people don't even pay attention to. He adds: Why don't the authorities think of naming streets, cultural centers or even a school after this poet? These works can be an inspiration for the young generation.

Nasrin Tausli, who is interested in poetry and literature, criticizes the lack of cultural programs in Kerman: I have always been interested in poetry and I like Khajo's poems, but in Kerman there is no ceremony to commemorate him. He says: December 17th is Khajoo's day, but we don't see even a simple conference or program on this day. Why are the cultural officials of Kerman so careless?

Mohammad Javad, who is a student of the 11th grade, points out the lack of knowledge about Khaju: In school, we only heard that Khaju was a great poet, but they don't give us any other information. He says: If the city of Kerman has more plans to introduce him, we will get to know him more. For example, they can build a museum or a library about him.

Hamid Amiri, who has been running a bookstore in Kerman market for many years, talks about the lack of demand for Khajo's works: Khajovi Kermani is one of our great poets, but unfortunately his books are rotting in our bookstore. Maybe the reason is that people are not familiar enough with this poet. He says: If Kerman has plans to introduce Khajo, people will be more interested in studying his works.

The statements of the people of Kerman clearly show that Khaju Kermani has been neglected in his hometown rather than cherished. All complain about the lack of cultural programs, poor public awareness, and lack of related infrastructure. These comments indicate the urgent need for serious measures to revive the name and memory of this great poet.

According to these feedbacks, it is clear that Kerman needs a comprehensive cultural program that can restore Khajovi Kermani to his rightful place and turn this city into a literary and cultural hub related to this poet.