THE ART OF APHORISTIC EXPRESSION IN SAADI SHIRAZI’S GULISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the stylistic features of wisdom sayings and aphorisms presented in “Gulistan” by the prominent representative of Persian-Tajik literature, Muslihiddin Saadi Shirazi. The study explores Saadi’s aphoristic style, the structural organization, semantic layers, and literary functions of his maxims. Particular attention is paid to the stylistic harmony between prose and poetic passages, as well as the use of artistic devices such as parallel constructions, antithesis, and metaphor. Furthermore, the article evaluates the role of Gulistan’s aphorisms in conveying universal human values and highlights their significance in contemporary literary and linguistic studies.