Analysis of Golriz, a Love Story by Ziaodin Nakhshabi

Nakhshabi’s Golriz, a story describing the love of prince Ajabmalek, son of the king of Turkestan, to Nushlab, Fairy King’s daughter, and the obstacles to their love. Written by Ziaodin Nakhshabi in 750 AH, “Golrize” reminds the reader of fairy stories like those in “One Thousand and one Nights”. Romantic and picaresque themes of traditional stories are also evident in this story. Although factors such as the creation of surprises, and imaginative settings make parts of this story accord with “One Thousand and One Nights”, nonconforming parts include matters as poet’s use of poetry and proverbs, inclusion of mystical themes, and an evident weakness of the plot.
This study briefly introduces the author and presents an analysis of various structural and content aspects of “Golriz” from the perspective of elements of love stories.