Reflection on Gambling Terms with a Focus on Khāghāni Sharvāni's Divān

Khāqāni Sharvāni is one of the Persian poets who, compared to other poets, has made the most use of the capacities of language. One of his artistic techniques, in poetic illustration and theme making, is the use of gambling elements and terms related to the two games of ‘backgammon’ and ‘chess’. He used these terms so professionally that he can be considered as the most prominent Persian poet in this regard, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Despite many efforts by scholars and commentators of Khāghāni's Divān, most of these terms have not been properly understood and explained. In this study, based on the use of in-text and out-of-text evidence, some of these phrases and words have been reviewed and analyzed. Also the current study revealed new insights into the rules and quality of the old backgammon and chess games and at times an accurate and correct interpretation of the analyzed verses is provided. In the explanation of one case, a method of old writing style in scribing the manuscripts of Khāghāni's Divān, along with providing numerous evidences, have been identified and introduced.