Transformations of Muslim Historians’ Perspective on Sasanian Empire (3rd to 5th Centuries Hijri)

Prominent Muslim Historians’ view of Sasanian Empire In dealing with Iranians, both in terms of formal encounters and historic studies, Many Islamic writers have showed interest and appreciation for Iranian culture and traditions. This expression of interest, which has different reasons rooted in various intellectual grounds and values, is clearly evident in some of the works of Islamic historians. Ibn al-Nadim, in the chapter titled The Names of Books Written in the Rites of Iranians, Romans and Indians ... , lists the moral books and Pahlavi rules translated into Arabic, and in this list, according to Inostranzev, of forty-four books named, 14 books have been dedicated specifically to Iranian sources (Inostranzev, 24). We can find illuminating sayings and jests from Iranian kings and courtiers in Persian-Arabic writings as well, and most of them revolve around Ardashir, Anushiruwan, and Bozorgmehr. Professor Ehsan Abbas has brought quotes from Ardashir and given examples, revealing the personality of this founder of Sassanid Dynasty in the book of Ardashir s Era (Abbas, 85-117).Most Muslim writers have also commented on the character of Anushiruwan. Including Ibn Qutaybah in Uyun al-Akhbar, al-Amiri in al-Sa ada Wala sad, al-Jahiz in al-Taj and al-Mahasen al-Azdad, Bayhaqi in Al-Mahasen and al-Masawi (ibn Qutaybah, 61).