Contemporary Wisdom

The Mystical Narratives of Rumi and Attar in the Light of Bakhtin's Theory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Biannual Journal

Authors

Hannaneh Anssari 1
Maryam Saneapour 2
Shahla Eslami 1

1 Department of philosophy, SR.C. ,Islamic Azad University, Tehran,, Iran

2 Western History and Civilization Research Group Westernology and Research Institute Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies

10.30465/cw.2026.51875.2108
Abstract
This study examines classical Iranian mystical narratives through the dialogic lens of Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory. The primary aim is to investigate how time and space, the role of the narrator and audience, and the production of meaning are represented within Bakhtin’s narrative framework, and subsequently to analyze classical Iranian mystical narratives from a Bakhtinian perspective. Thus, the central research question is: How can Bakhtin’s dialogical theory be applied to analyze and interpret the narrative structure and meaning-making in classical Persian mystical texts, specifically the works of Rumi and Attar?

The research adopts a descriptive-analytical method based on library studies. Findings reveal that the mystical narratives of Rumi and Attar, contrary to the common perception of them as monologic and linear texts, possess a profoundly dialogic, nonlinear, and multi-layered structure. In these texts, time and space are represented symbolically and cyclically, serving as tools for expressing inner spiritual journeys. The narrator appears in fluid, multifaceted, and metaphorical forms, creating a polyphonic space. Consequently, Bakhtin’s theoretical framework proves to be an effective tool for uncovering the dynamic, dialogic, and complex dimensions of narrative within the Iranian mystical tradition.

Keywords

Narrative
Dialogic Imagination
Chronotope
Dialogism
Iranian Mystical Narratives
Bakhtin

Subjects

Contemporary Wisdom

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 January 2026

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