Contribution of Literary Journals of Bahār and Dāneshkadeh to Persian Poetry Translation (1328–1341AH/1910–1923)

Abstract

Poetry translation appears to be an under-investigated area in the translation history of Iran. Although no definite time period can be determined for practicing poetry translation in Iran, the present study attempts to show that such a marginal practice was seriously considered during the late Qajar era (1328–1341AH/1910–1923). By exploring first-hand and second-hand sources, archival documents and manuscripts related to poetry on the one hand, and translation practices on the other hand, the present study identified that the two literary journals of Bahār and Dāneshkadeh started the practice of poetry translation during the specified period. The data analysis showed that they contributed to the practice and theory of poetry translation in different forms of poetic translation, prose translation, eqterāh adabi or literary adaptation and rewritings, including introductory essays about foreign poetry and poets. In conclusion, these novel forms together with some theoretical reflections on poetry translation could pave the way for the formation of the tent of poetry translation in the translation poetics of the late Qajar era.