Diwan
/dee-WAHN/
Meaning
The term 'Diwan' signifies more than just a collection of poems; it represents a profound literary and cultural institution. It refers to the collected works of a poet, typically an Arabic, Persian, or Urdu poet, arranged in a specific order according to rhyme and meter. Beyond the physical book, the 'Diwan' embodies the poet's legacy, their contribution to the literary heritage, and the shared cultural understanding of poetic excellence within a society. It's a testament to the enduring power of verse and its role in shaping identity and expressing the soul of a civilization.
Literal Translation
Register, list, collection; council, court; a type of sofa.
How It's Used
Used primarily to refer to the collected works of a poet, especially in classical Arabic, Persian, and Urdu literature. It can also refer to a council or administrative office, particularly in historical contexts.