Exploring the Origins of the Kurdish "Manijeh and Bizhan" and Ferdowsi's "Bizhan and Manizheh"

"Manijeh and Bizhan" is an epic narrative rooted in Kurdish culture and literature, recognized in Persian literature as "Bizhan and Manizheh." The similarity in titles reflects numerous parallels in the structure and themes of the narratives, suggesting that both originated from a shared geographic context before evolving in distinct cultural spheres. While this epic has been examined from various perspectives, there has been limited focus on the temporal and geographical context of its emergence. Scholars propose two primary theories regarding its origin: one posits that the narrative dates back to an ancient and indeterminate period, while the other suggests a post-Christian era origin. Regarding its geographical roots, some scholars associate it with the literature of the Gorgan and Merv provinces, whereas others link it to Nahavand and the Zagros region. This essay employs a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing introspective evidence to argue that the origins of this narrative are indeed tied to an ancient and unknown period in Kurdistan. It further contends that the story traversed various regions, including Khorasan and Armenia, undergoing transformations before its final adaptation in the Shahnameh.