Biography of Omar Khayyam. Omar Khayyam: short biography, interesting facts, video Poet Omar Khayyam biography

Omar Khayyam is a legendary scientist and philosopher, famous for his incredibly productive work in such fields as history, mathematics, astronomy, literature and even cooking. He became an iconic figure in the history of Iran and the entire East. Among general persecutions (analogous to the Inquisition), oppression for the slightest freethinking, such a great man lived and worked, whose free spirit inspires descendants hundreds of years later. Educate people, motivate them, help them find meaning in life - Omar Khayyam did all this for his people for many years, becoming one of the creators of cultural, social and scientific life in Samarkand.

Eastern philosopher Omar Khayyam

His life was so multifaceted, and his outstanding achievements were in completely opposite areas of activity, that there is a version that Omar Khayyam never existed. There is a second thought - that under this name there are several people hiding, mathematicians, scientists, philosophers and poets. Of course, historically accurately tracking the activities of a person who lived a thousand years ago is not easy. However, there is evidence that Omar Khayyam is not a myth, but a real person with outstanding abilities who lived hundreds of years ago.

His biography is also known - although, of course, its accuracy cannot be confirmed.

Portrait of Omar Khayyam

The man was born in 1048 in Iran. Omar’s family was complete and strong; the boy’s father and grandfather came from an ancient family of artisans, so the family had money and even prosperity. From early childhood, the boy demonstrated unique analytical abilities and specific talents, as well as such character traits as perseverance, curiosity, intelligence and prudence.

He learned to read very early, and by the age of eight he had completely read and studied the holy book of Muslims, the Koran. Omar received a good education for that time, became a master of words and successfully developed his oratory abilities. Khayyam was well versed in Muslim legislation and knew philosophy. From a young age, he became a famous expert in the Koran in Iran, so people turned to him for help in interpreting some particularly difficult provisions and lines.

In his youth, Khayyam loses his father and mother and goes on his own to further study mathematics and philosophical sciences, having sold his parents’ house and workshop. He is called to the ruler's court, gets a job in the palace and spends many years researching and developing creatively under the supervision of the main man in Isfahan.

Scientific activity

It is not for nothing that Omar Khayyam is called a unique scientist. He has written a number of scientific works on completely different topics. He conducted astronomical research, as a result of which he compiled the most accurate calendar in the world. He developed a system of astrology related to the data obtained from astronomy, which he used to create nutritional recommendations for representatives of different zodiac signs and even wrote a book of surprisingly tasty and healthy recipes.

Geometric theory of cubic equations by Omar Khayyam

Khayyam was very interested in mathematics, his interest resulted in the analysis of Euclid's theory, as well as the creation of his own system of calculations for quadratic and cubic equations. He successfully proved theorems, carried out calculations, and created a classification of equations. His scientific works on algebra and geometry are still highly valued in the scientific professional community. And the developed calendar is valid in Iran.

Books

Descendants found several books and literary collections written by Khayyam. It is still not known for certain how many of the poems from the collections compiled by Omar actually belong to him. The fact is that for many centuries after the death of Omar Khayyam, many quatrains with “seditious” thoughts were attributed to this particular poet in order to avoid punishment for the real authors. Thus, folk art became the work of the great poet. This is why Khayyam’s authorship is often questioned, but it has been proven that he independently wrote more than 300 works in poetic form.

Currently, the name of Khayyam is associated primarily with quatrains filled with deep meaning, which are called “rubai”. These poetic works stand out noticeably against the background of the rest of the work of the period when Omar lived and composed.

The main difference between their writing is the presence of the author’s “I” - a lyrical hero who is a mere mortal who will not do anything heroic, but reflects on life and fate. Before Khayyam, literary works were written exclusively about kings and heroes, and not about ordinary people.

The writer also uses unusual literature - the poems lack pretentious expressions, traditional multi-layered images of the East and allegory. On the contrary, the author writes in simple and accessible language, constructs thoughts in meaningful sentences that are not overloaded with syntax or additional constructions. Brevity and clarity are the main stylistic features of Khayyam that distinguish his poems.

Being a mathematician, Omar thinks logically and consistently in his writings. He wrote on completely different topics - his collections contain poems about love, about God, about fate, about society and the place of an ordinary person in it.

Views of Omar Khayyam

Khayyam's position in relation to the fundamental concepts of medieval eastern society differed sharply from the generally accepted one at that time. Being a famous pundit, he was not very versed in social trends and did not pay attention to the changes and trends happening around him, which greatly undermined him in the last years of his life.

Khayyam was greatly interested in theology - he boldly expressed his unconventional thoughts, glorified the value of an ordinary person and the importance of his desires and needs. However, the author perfectly separated God and faith from religious institutions. He believed that God is in every person’s soul, he will not leave him, and often wrote on this topic.

Khayyam's position in relation to religion was contrary to the generally accepted one, which caused a lot of controversy around his personality. Omar really carefully studied the holy book, and therefore could interpret its postulates and disagree with some of them. This caused anger on the part of the clergy, who considered the poet a “harmful” element.

Love was the second important concept in the work of the great writer. His statements about this strong feeling were sometimes polar, he rushed from admiration for this feeling and its object - a woman - to sorrow that love so often breaks lives. The author always spoke about women exclusively in a positive way; according to him, a woman must be loved and appreciated, made happy, because for a man, a beloved woman is the highest value.

For the author, love was a multifaceted feeling - he often wrote about it as part of discussions about friendship. Friendly relations were also very important for Omar; he considered them a gift. The author often urged not to betray friends, to value them, not to exchange them for illusory recognition from the outside and not to betray their trust. After all, there are few true friends. The writer himself admitted that he would prefer to be alone, “than with just anyone.”

Khayyam reasons logically and therefore sees the injustice of the world, notices people’s blindness to the main values ​​in life, and also comes to the conclusion that many things explained theologically actually have a completely natural essence. The lyrical hero of Omar Khayyam is a man who questions faith, loves to pamper himself, is simple in his needs and unlimited in the possibilities of his mind and reasoning. He is simple and close, loves wine and other understandable joys of life.

Discussing the meaning of life, Omar Khayyam came to the conclusion that every person is only a temporary guest of this wonderful world, and therefore it is important to enjoy every moment lived, appreciate small joys and treat life as a great gift. The wisdom of life, according to Khayyam, lies in accepting all the events that happen and the ability to find positive aspects in them.

Omar Khayyam is a famous hedonist. Contrary to the religious concept of renunciation of earthly goods for the sake of heavenly grace, the philosopher was sure that the meaning of life was in consumption and pleasure. This angered the public, but delighted the rulers and representatives of the upper classes. By the way, the Russian intelligentsia also loved Khayyam for this idea.

Personal life

Although the man devoted an enviable part of his work to love for a woman, he himself did not tie the knot or have offspring. His wife and children did not fit into Khayyam’s lifestyle, because he often lived and worked under the threat of persecution. A free-thinking scientist in the Middle Ages in Iran was a dangerous combination.

Old age and death

All the treatises and books of Omar Khayyam that have reached his descendants are only grains of all his full-fledged research; in fact, he could convey his research to his contemporaries and descendants only orally. Indeed, in those harsh years, science posed a danger to religious institutions, and therefore was subject to disapproval and even persecution.

Before the eyes of Khayyam, who had long been under the protection of the ruling padishah, other scientists and thinkers were subjected to mockery and execution. It is not for nothing that the Middle Ages are considered the most cruel century; anti-clerical thoughts were dangerous both for listeners and for the one who utters them. And in those days, any free understanding of religious postulates and their analysis could easily be equated with dissent.

The philosopher Omar Khayyam lived a long, productive life, but his last years were not the most rosy. The fact is that for many decades Omar Khayyam worked and created under the patronage of the king of the country. However, with his death, Omar was persecuted for his wayward thoughts, which many equated with blasphemy. He spent his last days in poverty, without the support of his loved ones and the means of a decent livelihood, and became practically a hermit.

Nevertheless, until his last breath, the philosopher promoted his ideas and was engaged in science, wrote rubai and simply enjoyed life. According to legend, Khayyam passed away in a peculiar way - calmly, judiciously, as if on schedule, absolutely accepting what was happening. At the age of 83, he once spent the entire day in prayer, then performed ablution, after which he read the sacred words and died.

Omar Khayyam was not the most famous person during his lifetime, and for many hundreds of years after his death his figure did not arouse interest among his descendants. However, in the 19th century, the English researcher Edward Fitzgerald discovered the records of the Persian poet and translated them into English. The uniqueness of the poems so struck the British that first the entire work of Omar Khayyam, and then all his scientific treatises, were found, studied and highly appreciated. The find amazed the translators and the entire educated community of Europe - no one could believe that in ancient times such an intelligent scientist lived and worked in the East.

Omar's works these days have been dismantled into aphorisms. Quotes from Khayyam are often found in Russian and foreign classical and modern literary works. Surprisingly, the rubai have not lost their relevance hundreds of years after their creation. Precise and easy language, topical themes and the general message that you need to value life, love every moment of it, live by your own rules and not waste your days on illusory delusions - all this appeals to the inhabitants of the 21st century.

The fate of Omar Khayyam’s legacy is also interesting - the image of the poet and philosopher himself has become a household name, and collections of his poems are still being republished. Khayyam’s quatrains continue to live; many residents of different countries around the world have books with his work. It’s funny, but in Russia the famous pop singer Hannah, a representative of the young advanced generation of modern pop music, recorded a lyrical musical track for the song “Omar Khayyam”, in the chorus of which she quoted the aphorism of the legendary Persian philosopher.

The poet’s thoughts were transformed into the so-called rules of life, which many people follow. Moreover, they are actively used by the younger generation on social networks. For example, the following famous poems belong to the genius of Omar Khayyam:

“To live your life wisely, you need to know a lot,
Remember two important rules to get started:
You'd rather starve than eat anything
And it’s better to be alone than with just anyone.”

"Think with your head cold
After all, everything in life is natural
The evil you emitted
He will definitely come back to you."

“Do not mourn, mortal, yesterday’s losses,
Don’t measure today’s deeds by tomorrow’s standard,
Believe neither the past nor the future minute,
Believe the current minute - be happy now!”

“Hell and heaven are in heaven,” say the bigots.
I looked into myself and became convinced of the lie:
Hell and heaven are not circles in the courtyard of the universe,
Hell and heaven are two halves of the soul."

“Wake up from your sleep! The night was created for the sacraments of love,
For throwing around your beloved’s house it’s given!
Where there are doors, they are locked at night,
Only the lovers’ door is open!”

"Heart! Let the cunning ones, conspiring together,
They condemn wine, saying it is harmful.
If you want to wash your soul and body -
Listen to poetry more often while drinking wine."

Aphorisms of Omar Khayyam:

“If a vile person pours medicine for you, pour it out!
If a wise man pours poison on you, accept it!”

“He who is discouraged dies before his time”

“Nobility and meanness, courage and fear -
Everything is built into our bodies from birth.”

“Even the shortcomings in a loved one are liked, and even the advantages in an unloved one are annoying”

“Don’t say that a man is a womanizer. If he had been monogamous, it wouldn’t have been your turn.”

Omar Khayyam Nishapuri (1048 ─ 1131) - Persian astronomer and mathematician, philosopher and poet.

Childhood and adolescence

In the northeastern part of Iran is the Razavi Khorasan province, in which there is the city of Nishapur (it is the second largest in the province). In this place, almost a thousand years ago, on May 18, 1048, Omar Khayyam was born.

His father was a tent owner and ran a craft stall at the market. Later, a girl, Aisha, was born into the family.

By doing a craft, the father could afford to give his children a proper education. After all, the city of Nishapur was famous in those days; people from all over Iran and nearby countries came here for fairs. Omar began studying mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy at the age of 8.

In those days, Muslims had such educational institutions - madrassas. They combined a high school and a Muslim theological seminary. At the age of 12, he began studying at the Nishapur madrasah and Omar. Later he studied at similar educational institutions in the cities of Balkh, Bukhara and Samarkand. He had excellent grades in medical discipline and Islamic law; he received the specialty of a doctor, but medicine attracted him least of all. Omar was more interested in mathematics and astronomy; he diligently studied the works of Greek mathematicians and the famous astronomer Thabit ibn Kurra.

Unfortunately, Omar’s childhood fell on the difficult period of the Ghaznavid-Seljuk war, which caused enormous damage to the population of western Iran. Craftsmen and traders went bankrupt, famine began, residents died, including many scientists.

Departure from Nishapur

When Omar was 16 years old, he had to endure a life tragedy. During the epidemic, my father fell ill and died, and a little later my mother. The young man then sold his father’s house and workshop and moved to Samarkand. This city at that time was considered the scientific and cultural center of the entire East.

He began his studies in one of the madrassas, but after speaking at debates several times, he so surprised everyone with his education that he was immediately transferred from students to mentors.

Omar did not stay in Samarkand for long; after 4 years he moved to Bukhara, where he was hired to serve in a book depository. Simultaneously with this work, he was engaged in scientific activities in the fields of mathematics, physics, geometry and astronomy. During the 10 years he spent in Bukhara, he created four fundamental mathematical treatises.

Also, while working in the book depository, Omar Khayyam diligently studied literature, Koranic studies, history, philosophy, theosophy and many other philological disciplines. As a result, he perfectly mastered the Arabic language and the basics of versification.

Esfahan

The rulers of the 11th century competed with each other to see who would have the most brilliant and educated retinue. They lured poets, artists, and scientists from each other. The same fate befell Khayyam.

In 1074, Omar was invited to the city of Isfahan, which was located south of Tehran and was at that time the capital of the powerful Seljuk Sultanate. A young, intelligent man, Khayyam, was recommended to the ruler by the chief vizier. Soon Omar became the spiritual mentor of the formidable Melik Shah, as well as the head of the main palace observatory, which at that time was one of the largest in the world.

The ruler highly valued Khayyam's intelligence and abilities, Omar was surrounded by honor, and sometimes the Sultan seated the thinker next to him on the throne.

Working at the observatory, with other scientists, Omar developed a solar calendar that was more accurate than the Gregorian calendar; took part in the compilation of the Malikshah Astronomical Tables, which were a kind of small star catalogue.

Return to Nishapur

In 1092, Melik Shah died, and before that the chief vizier was killed. The son of Melik Shah Mahmud was proclaimed the new sultan, but he was only 5 years old, and the boy’s mother Turkan Khatun took the entire government into her own hands. She was not at all interested in science. Khayyam was demoted to the position of attending family doctor, and was paid a meager salary for work at the observatory.

In 1097, Omar Khayyam finished his service at court and the observatory was closed. Being no longer a young man, he found himself on the street without any support.

Omar returned to Nishapur, where he spent the rest of his life teaching at a madrasah. He had several students to whom he passed on his philosophical experience; many scientists themselves sought meetings with him and entered into debates.

Khayyam did not have a wife or children. His whole life became a dedication to philosophy and science.

The scientist died on December 4, 1131. The life of Omar Khayyam was long and interesting, but his name was unfairly forgotten.

They remembered the thinker and scientist only in the 19th century, when the poet from England Edward Fitzgerald began to translate the rubai of Omar Khayyam - these are small quatrains.

He composed these poems throughout his life, they came out impromptu. But how relevant they are even now, after a thousand years.

Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) is an outstanding mathematician and astronomer. It was he who developed methods for solving quadratic and cubic equations, defined algebra as a science, and considered issues related to irrational numbers. In astronomy, he developed the solar calendar. It was more accurate than the Julian calendar and formed the basis of the Iranian calendar, which is still used in Iran and Afghanistan to this day.

This amazing man is revered in the East as a sage. He was born into the family of a merchant in the city of Nishapur (670 km east of Tehran). At the age of 16, he lost his parents. They died from the epidemic. The young man qualified as a doctor and left for Samarkand. At that time it was one of the largest scientific centers in the world. After several years, young Omar moved to Bukhara. He lived in this city for 10 years and wrote many serious works on mathematics.

Then a very fruitful 18-year period began for Khayyam. He was invited to the city of Isfahan (340 km south of Tehran). At that time it was the capital of the powerful Seljuk Sultanate. At the head of the state was Melik Shah. His chief vizier, Nizam al-Mulk, personally recommended that the ruler take a young and intelligent man into his entourage, and very soon Omar became the spiritual mentor of the formidable Sultan and headed the palace observatory.

It was during these years that the main works in astronomy and mathematics occurred. But, as follows from life practice, happiness and well-being rarely last long. Melik Shah died in 1092. A month earlier, Nizam al-Mulk was killed by the Ismailis. The already middle-aged scientist was left without patrons.

The son of the deceased ruler, Mahmud, was proclaimed Sultan. But the boy was only 5 years old, so his mother Turkan Khatun concentrated all power in her hands. For her, astronomy and mathematics were empty words. Omar Khayyam was demoted to the position of attending physician, and a paltry salary began to be paid for work at the observatory.

In 1097, the scientist's service at court ended. The capital was moved to the city of Merv, and the observatory in Khorasan lost its central importance. Soon it was closed, and the scientist found himself out of work. On the threshold of old age, he was kicked out onto the street without being given any pension.

Very little is known about the further period of the life of the outstanding sage of the East. There is information that Omar has become a freethinker. Servants of Islam even equated him with apostates. In order to somehow justify himself in their eyes, the elderly scientist made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The venerable old man lived the last years of his life in Nishapur. Only occasionally did he visit Balkhu and Bukhara. He lived on the money he earned by teaching at a madrasah. He regularly met with various philosophers and scientists. They themselves sought a meeting to enter into scientific disputes with him. The elder had several students. As for family life, Omar Khayyam never married and had no children. This amazing man devoted his entire life to science.

The great scientist died on December 4, 1131. He lived a long and interesting life, but was quickly forgotten by his descendants. It was remembered only in the 19th century, thanks to the English poet Edward Fitzgerald (1801-1883). He began to translate the quatrains, the so-called rubai, of the famous scientist.

In addition to mathematics and astronomy, he was fond of lyrical poetry. One of its forms is rubai - quatrains. They are widespread in the East.

They contained so much wisdom and humor that they instantly became extremely popular. In 1934, admirers of the work of the outstanding scientist and poet erected an obelisk for him. They placed it in Nishapur near the mosque in memory of the venerable Imam Mahruk. Below are the most famous and interesting quatrains. The translation from Persian was made by the Russian poet and translator German Borisovich Plisetsky.

Monument to Omar Khayyam

Poems by Omar Khayyam

For many years I reflected on earthly life,
There is nothing incomprehensible to me under the moon,
I know that I know nothing, -
This is the last secret I have learned.

I am a student in this best of the best worlds,
My work is hard: the teacher is too harsh!
Until my gray hairs I have been an apprentice in life,
Still not classified as a master...

He is too zealous and shouts: “It’s me!”
The little piece of gold in the wallet rattles: “It’s me!”
But as soon as he has time to sort things out -
Death knocks on the braggart’s window: “It’s me!”

There is a baby in the cradle, a dead man in the coffin:
That's all that is known about our fate.
Drink the cup to the bottom - and don’t ask too much:
The master will not reveal the secret to the slave.

Do not mourn, mortal, yesterday's losses,
Don’t measure today’s deeds by tomorrow’s standard,
Believe neither the past nor the future minute,
Be true to the current minute - be happy now!

Know, the favorite of fate, born in a shirt:
Your tent is propped up by rotten pillars.
If the soul is covered with flesh, like a tent -
Beware, for the tent stakes are weak!

Those who believe blindly will not find the way.
Those who think are forever oppressed by doubts.
I'm afraid that a voice will be heard one day:
“O ignoramuses! The road is neither here nor there!”

Better to fall into poverty, starve or steal,
How to become one of the despicable dishevelers.
It's better to swallow bones than to be tempted by sweets
At the table of the scoundrels in power.

It is unworthy to strive for anyone’s plate,
Like a greedy fly, risking itself.
It’s better that Khayyam doesn’t have a crumb,
What will the scoundrel feed him for slaughter!

If a worker by the sweat of his brow
He who earns bread has gained nothing -
Why should he bow to a nonentity?
Or even someone who is no worse than him?

No mortal has ever won victories over the sky.
Everyone is devoured by the cannibal earth.
Are you still intact? And you brag about it?
Wait: you'll get the ants for lunch!

Everything we see is only one appearance.
Far from the surface of the world to the bottom.
Consider the obvious in the world to be unimportant,
For the secret essence of things is not visible.

Even the brightest minds in the world
They could not disperse the surrounding darkness.
They told us several bedtime stories -
And the wise ones went to sleep, just like us.

He who follows reason milks the bull,
Wisdom is now unprofitable for sure!
Nowadays it's more profitable to play the fool,
For reason today is the price of garlic.

If you become a slave to base lust -
In old age you will be empty, like an abandoned house.
Look at yourself and think about
Who are you, where are you and where do you go next?

In this perishable Universe in due time
A man and a flower turn to dust.
If only the ashes evaporated from under our feet -
A bloody stream would rain down from the sky!

Life is a desert, we wander through it naked.
Mortal, full of pride, you are simply ridiculous!
You find a reason for every step -
Meanwhile, it has long been a foregone conclusion in heaven.

Since one cannot delay one's own death,
Since from above the path is indicated for mortals,
Since eternal things cannot be molded from wax -
There’s no point in crying about it, friends!

Having seen the frailty of the world, wait a minute to grieve!
Believe me: it’s not for nothing that your heart is pounding in your chest.
Don’t grieve about the past: what happened is gone.
Don't worry about the future: there is fog ahead...

Once you become a beggar dervish, you will reach heights.
Having torn your heart to blood, you will reach heights.
Away, empty dreams of great achievements!
Only by controlling yourself will you reach heights.

If Guria kisses you passionately on the mouth,
If your interlocutor is wiser than Christ,
If a musician is more beautiful than the heavenly Zukhra -
Everything is not a joy if your conscience is not clear!

We will leave without a trace - no names, no signs.
This world will last for thousands of years.
We weren’t here before, and we won’t be here after.
There is no harm or benefit from this.

If a mill, a bathhouse, a luxurious palace
A fool and a scoundrel receives a gift,
And the worthy goes into bondage because of bread -
I don't care about your justice, Creator!

Is this really our miserable destiny?
To be slaves to our lustful bodies?
After all, not a single person living in the world has yet
I couldn’t quench my desires!

We found ourselves in this world like a sparrow caught in a snare.
We are full of anxiety, hope and sorrow.
In this round cage, where there are no doors,
We ended up with you not by our own will.

If all states, near and far,
The conquered will lie in the dust,
You will not become, great lord, immortal.
Your lot is small: three arshins of land.

The sheikh shamed the harlot: “You, dissolute, drink,
You sell your body to everyone who wants it!”
“I am,” said the harlot, “really like that.
Are you who you say you are?”

I didn’t come to the mosque for a righteous word,
Without trying to get to know the basics, I came.
Last time I stole the prayer rug,
It was worn out to holes - I came for a new one!

Don't believe the fabrications of quiet people who don't drink,
It's like there's fire in hell for drunkards.
If there is a place in hell for lovers and drunks -
Heaven will be as empty as the palm of your hand tomorrow!

In this world there is a trap at every step.
I did not live even a day of my own free will.
They make decisions in heaven without me,
And then they call me a rebel!

Nobility and meanness, courage and fear -
Everything is built into our bodies from birth.
Until death we will become neither better nor worse -
We are the way Allah created us!

The world is fraught with both good and evil:
Everything that is built is immediately scrapped.
Be fearless, live in the moment
Don't worry about the future, don't cry about the past.

Why suffer needlessly for the sake of common happiness -
It’s better to give happiness to someone close.
It’s better to tie a friend to yourself with kindness,
How to free humanity from its shackles.

Drink with a worthy person who is no stupider than you,
Or drink with your moon-faced beloved.
Don't tell anyone how much you drank.
Drink wisely. Drink wisely. Drink in moderation.

“Hell and heaven are in heaven,” say the bigots.
I looked into myself and became convinced of the lie:
Hell and heaven are not circles in the palace of the universe,
Hell and heaven are two halves of the soul.

In this world no escape of truth will grow.
Justice has not ruled the world forever.
Don't think that you will change the course of life.
Don't hold on to the cut branch, man.

In this hostile world, don't be a fool:
Don’t you dare rely on those around you,
With a sober eye, look at your closest friend -
A friend may turn out to be your worst enemy.

Don't envy someone who is strong and rich.
Sunset always follows dawn.
With this short life, equal to a sigh,
Treat it as if it was rented to you.

He who from youth believes in his own mind,
In pursuit of the truth, he became dry and gloomy.
Claiming from childhood to know life,
Instead of becoming a grape, it turned into a raisin.

You bring shame on me in front of everyone:
I am an atheist, I am a drunkard, almost a thief!
I am ready to agree with your words.
But are you worthy to pass judgment?

For the worthy there are no worthy rewards,
I'm glad to lay down my belly for a worthy one.
Do you want to know if hell exists?
Living among the unworthy is true hell!

I asked the wisest: “What have you learned?
From your manuscripts? The wisest one said:
“Happy is he who is in the arms of a tender beauty
At night I’m far from the wisdom of books!”

You, Almighty, in my opinion, are greedy and old.
You deal blow after blow to the slave.
Paradise is the reward of the sinless for their obedience.
Would you give me something not as a reward, but as a gift!

The world is ruled by violence, anger and revenge.
What else on earth is reliable?
Where are the happy people in an angry world?
If there are, they can easily be counted on one hand.

Be careful not to be captivated by the beauty, friend!
Beauty and love are two sources of torment,
For this beautiful kingdom is eternal:
It strikes hearts and leaves hands.

O sage! If God gave you a loan
Musician, wine, stream and sunset -
Don't grow crazy desires in your heart.
If you have all this, you are immensely rich!

You and I are prey, and the world is a trap.
The Eternal Hunter is poisoning us, driving us to the grave.
It's all his own fault that happens in the world,
And he accuses you and me of sins.

O sage! If this or that fool
Calls midnight darkness dawn,
Play a fool and don't argue with fools
Everyone who is not a fool is a freethinker and an enemy!

Consider that you will change the course of the planets.
Consider that this light is not this light.
Hope you achieve what you want.
Consider it so. If not, consider it not.

Today we will tell you about a man famous throughout the world for his quatrains, which are called “rubais”. He is also known for constructing a classification of cubic equations in algebra and using conic sections to give their solutions. We will tell you in detail who Omar Khayyam is. In short, he is a Persian philosopher, mathematician, astrologer, astronomer and poet, and in more detail, we should start with his childhood.

Omar Khayyam's childhood

This great man was born in the city of Nishapur in the family of a tent owner. Omar began to be interested in astronomy, philosophy and mathematics at the age of eight, and four years later he became a student at the Nishapur madrasah. The boy excellently completed a course in medicine and Islamic law and qualified as a doctor, but Omar was not particularly interested in this profession. He began to study the works of the astronomer and mathematician Thabit ibn Qurra, as well as Greek mathematicians.

At the age of sixteen, Khayyam’s father and mother died during an epidemic. The young man sold his workshop and house and went to Samarkand, which at that time was famous as a cultural and scientific center. In Samarkand, he himself became a mentor, after which he moved to Bukhara, where he worked in book depositories and at the same time wrote treatises on mathematics. During the ten years he spent in Bukhara, the scientist wrote four fundamental treatises on mathematics.

In 1074, Omar Khayyam, whose biography is so rich, was already the spiritual mentor of the Sultan, and a couple of years later he became the head of the palace observatory. While working there, Omar became a famous astronomer. Together with other scientists, he developed a solar calendar.

In 1092, when the sultan who patronized Omar died, this period of his life at the court of Melik Shah also ended. Omar was accused of godless freethinking, and the astronomer left the Seljuk capital.

Rubaiyat

Khayyam is best known for his wise quatrains, rubai, full of humor and audacity. They were forgotten for a long time, but subsequently his work was revived thanks to the translations of Edward Fitzgerald.

Mathematics

Khayyam also left a significant contribution in this area. He owns the “Treatise on Proofs of Problems in Algebra and Almukabala.” In this work you can find a classification of equations, as well as solutions to equations of the first, second and third degrees.

Astronomy

Khayyam had the opportunity to lead a group of astronomers in Isfahan that developed the solar calendar. Its main purpose is a stricter connection to the beginning of the year and to the spring equinox. The new calendar was named after the Sultan “Jalali”. The number of days in months in this calendar varied depending on how much the sun entered any zodiac sign and could range from twenty-nine to thirty-two days.

Name: Omar Khayyam

Age: 83 years old

Place of Birth: Nishapur

A place of death: Nishapur, Iran

Activity: Persian philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and poet

Family status: wasn't married

Omar Khayyam - biography

Omar Khayyam is a famous astronomer and mathematician, but every person is more familiar with him as a philosopher, whose thoughts fully and deeply reflect the thoughts and feelings of a person. But everyone who quotes this great man wants to know about the philosopher, his exact biography.

Omar Khayyam - childhood

Not much is known about Omar Khayyam, especially about his childhood. The date of birth of the Persian philosopher is May 18, 1048. His birthplace was Nishapur, which is located in one of the provinces of Khorasan, which is located in the eastern part of Iran. This city was notable for the fact that very often fairs were held in it, which attracted a huge number of people, and these were not only residents of Iran, but also foreigners who lived in neighboring countries. It is worth noting that in those ancient times when the philosopher was born, his hometown of Nishapur was considered the main cultural center of the country.

Omar Khayyam - education

Omar Khayyam received his education in a madrasah, which at that time was considered a school of only the highest and middle type, so not all children were enrolled in it. By the way, the name of the Persian philosopher is literally translated as tent maker. And since no facts about his parents were preserved at all, the researchers came to the conclusion that his family members in the male line were engaged in crafts. But, despite this, there was money for my son’s education.

The madrassa where the young philosopher studied was an educational institution for aristocrats. It was believed that such institutions prepared officials for the highest rank of civil service. When his studies at the madrasah were completed, the parents sent their son first to Samarkand, where Omar Khayyam continued his studies, and then to Balkh. This education developed the child and gave him enormous knowledge. He was able to learn the secrets of such sciences as mathematics, astronomy and physics.

The young man himself not only studied diligently, receiving the knowledge that was taught to him in educational institutions, but he also studied some subjects on his own: theosophy, history, philosophy, philology and others. An educated person of that time should have known all of them. He paid special attention to the rules of versification and the Arabic language. Ideally, he also studied the art of music. He studied Omar Khayyam and medicine. He not only knew the Koran by heart, but could easily explain any part of it.

Scientific activity of Omar Khayyam

Even before finishing his studies, Omar Khayyam became known as the smartest man in his country, and many prominent people began to turn to him for advice. This was a new time for him, which opened a new page in his biography. The ideas of the young philosopher were new and unusual. Omar Khayyam made his first discoveries in the mathematical field. He was 25 years old then. When his work comes out of print, his fame as a great scientist spreads throughout the entire earth. There are also omnipotent patrons for him, since at that time the rulers sought to have scientists and educated minds in their retinue. Omar served at court, delving into his scientific activities.

At first, Omar was awarded the great honor of occupying a place of honor next to the prince, but then the rulers changed, but the honor remained for him. There is a legend that he was offered to manage his hometown and those territories that are located nearby. But he was forced to refuse, because he does not know how to manage people. For his honesty and activity, he was awarded a large salary, which would allow him to continue to engage in science.

Soon Omar Khayyam was asked to manage the observatory, which was located at the palace. The best astronomers in the country were invited to create it, and huge amounts of money were allocated so that scientists could purchase equipment. They created a calendar that is somewhat similar to the modern one. Omar studied both astrology and mathematics. It is he who owns the modern classification of equations.

The scientist was also interested in studying philosophy. At first he translated those philosophical works that had already been created. And then, in 1080, he creates his first treatise. Khayyam did not deny the existence of God, but said that any order of things is subject to natural law. But Omar could not say such conclusions openly in his writings, since this was contrary to the Muslim religion. But in poetry he could speak out more boldly. He studied poetry all his life.

Omar Khayyam - last days, death

After the death of the Sultan, Khayyam's position at the palace worsened. But trust was completely undermined after he spoke out that the Sultan’s heir would be able to recover from smallpox, which he contracted. The biography of the great scientist and philosopher changes dramatically from that moment. Soon the observatory was closed, and the scientist spent the rest of his days in his hometown. He never married, so there were no heirs. There were also fewer and fewer students every year. One day he didn’t eat or drink anything for a whole day, studying another philosophical work. Then he called people to make a will and died by evening.