Published in Mirabilia Journal 31 (2020/2)  

Keywords: Keywords: Alchemy, Color, Niẓāmī Ganǧawī, Persian Mystical Poetry, Psychospiritual Anthropology.

From a miniature belonging to a magnificent Iskandar Anthology (Persia, Šīrāz, 1410-11, folio 66v; Lisbon, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation), the cosmology, the symbolism of the seven colors (haft rang) and the alchemical progression are analyzed in the mystical tale Haft paykar (Seven princesses) by the Persian poet Abū Md. Ilyās b. Yūsuf Niẓāmī Ganǧawī (d. ca. 570-610 / 1174-1222). This inner path of transmutation through colors (ch.:pp.: black: HP26:180-181; yellow: HP27:196-197; green: HP28:214; red: HP29:234; blue: HP30:266-267; sandalwood: HP31:291 and white: HP32:315) ends, in tune with the Iranian tradition (Mazdeism, Zoroastrianism, išrāqī illuminative wisdom), with the color white, symbol of the purity of the soul and enlightenment.