Khosrow Anushirvan

Khosrow I (ruled 531–579 CE), famously known as Anushirvan, holds a special place in Iranian tales and literature. He is commonly introduced as “Anushirvan the Just,” and numerous stories recount his wisdom and sense of justice.

Ferdowsi says of Anushirvan:

"He filled the face of the world with justice,

And rebuilt every place that was in ruin..."

 

"There was no one more just than Nowshiravan,

May his soul forever remain youthful."

 

"None surpassed him in wisdom and virtue,

On the throne, in justice, and in manhood."

Ferdowsi also quotes Anushirvan as saying:

"No land should remain in ruin

While it lies in the shadow of the King of Iran…"

 

"The Lord of the world does not approve of tyranny,

That we should rejoice while the farmer grieves."

The eloquent Saadi also speaks of Anushirvan:

"The blessed name of noble Nowshiravan lives on in goodness,

Though many years have passed since Nowshiravan himself is gone."

He also beautifully conveys Anushirvan’s final counsel to his son Hormizd:

"It is said that at the time of his soul’s departure,

Anushirvan spoke to Hormoz, his son:

 

'Care for the hearts of the poor,

And do not seek only your own comfort.

 

None shall rest in your land,

If you seek only your own ease.

 

It does not please the wise

That the shepherd sleeps while wolves are among the sheep.

 

Go, and protect the needy and poor,

For the king wears the crown by grace of the people.

 

The people are the roots and the king is the tree—

And a tree, my son, stands firm by its roots.

 

Do not, if you can help it, break people’s hearts,

For if you do, you are cutting your own roots.'"

Mentions of Anushirvan’s justice can be found in the works of various historians, including al-Tabari, Ya'qubi, and others.

Almost all historians are unanimous in praising his sense of justice. Perhaps it is this reputation that gave rise to numerous legends and tales about him, and many events attributed to his era may not be historically accurate. There is even the possibility that some stories were attributed to him to justify questionable actions, since his name was considered a benchmark of righteousness. In fact, it seems that Anushirvan’s good reputation was sometimes exploited.

There are so many legends about Anushirvan that they obscure the historical truth and make accurate research into his real character difficult. Nevertheless, it seems that these stories and literary echoes reflect not just one individual, but an entire epoch—a glorious time in which Sasanian culture and civilization flourished. Indeed, Anushirvan’s reign is often referred to as the Golden Age of the Sasanians. It appears that the collective memory has encapsulated that era’s grandeur in stories centered around its king. Yet, it is clear that the king alone did not bring about this golden age—many other sages and dignitaries also played vital roles.

After many years of Sasanian rule, with all its bitter and sweet experiences, Anushirvan’s era became a time of learning from the past. Before him, the Mazdakite movement had taken hold in Iran, which Anushirvan considered a sedition. It is said he dealt harshly with the leaders of the Mazdakites. While it’s possible that the continuation of the Mazdakite system might have led to various problems, the movement likely contributed to some degree of reform during the Sasanian period.

It seems that during Anushirvan’s time, extreme Zoroastrian fanaticism had diminished, and prominent intellectuals such as Borzuya the physician and Bozorgmehr the sage were greatly valued. From what historians recount, it can be inferred that public welfare and comfort were prioritized. The Jundishapur Academy reached its zenith, and the restoration of the grand palace of Ctesiphon during Anushirvan’s reign suggests that art and architecture were held in high esteem.

All these factors—and many others—worked together to bring Sasanian culture, civilization, and art to their peak during Anushirvan’s era, leaving behind a noble legacy that remains deeply rooted in the Iranian collective memory.