Samarcande

About “Samarcande”

Amin Maalouf's 1988 novel Samarkand tells the story of the Persian poet Omar Khayyam, who is accused of mocking Islamic laws. A judge, recognizing his talent, spares his life and gives him a blank book to write in. The novel blends historical facts with fictional elements, tracing the history of the Rubaiyaat manuscript. It moves between 11th-century Persia, where the poet lived, and modern times, following an American academic searching for the original text. The story also connects to the Titanic, whose voyage brought the manuscript to its final home. Maalouf weaves these elements into a rich narrative that explores history, culture, and the power of literature.