The Baz-nama-yi Nasiri

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

74303

Title

The Baz-nama-yi Nasiri

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive Persian treatise on falconry by Prince Taymur Mirza, detailing the classification, training, and care of hawks. Blending technical expertise with poetic reverence for nature, this work offers timeless insights into the art of hawking, enriched by historical anecdotes and illustrations.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Baz-nama-yi Nasiri*, Prince Taymur Mirza, a learned governor and grandson of Fath Ali Shah, presents an exhaustive Persian treatise on falconry designed to bridge Eastern tradition with Western understanding. The work systematically categorizes goshawks into three distinct races: the white *Tiqbn*, the migratory *Tarlān*, and the local *Qizil*. Mirza explores the biological nuances of these birds, noting that white goshawks are likely albinos and distinguishing between nestling 'eyess' and wild-caught 'passage' hawks. He argues that while passage hawks possess superior flight power, nestlings often develop greater courage and affection for their masters over time. The treatise extends beyond taxonomy to practical instruction on reclamation, feeding regimens, and health management. Mirza advises on the critical importance of 'carrying' hawks to maintain their condition and warns against feeding birds immediately after exertion to prevent illness. He details methods for training hawks to hunt large quarry like cranes and bustards, emphasizing the need for patience and the use of greyhounds to assist in flushing game. The author also addresses medical issues, from diseases of the eyes and nose to remedies for poisoning and heat stroke, drawing on both empirical observation and traditional wisdom. Woven throughout the technical discourse are Mirza's reflections on the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of falconry. He praises the 'noble thorough-bred' hawk and laments the loss of birds to eagles, recounting a dramatic tale of avenging his slain falcon by trapping a buzzard and an eagle. The work concludes with a poetic dedication to the Shah of Iran, celebrating royal patronage and the author's own status. Ultimately, the book stands as a testament to the deep bond between man and bird, preserving a dying art with both scientific rigor and lyrical beauty.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-09 13:17 UTC

Categories

• Falconry
• Iran