Last modified: 2002-11-16 by ivan sache
Keywords: persia | derafsh e kaviani | kaveh | leather |
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Overview
According to Persian mythology Kaveh was a blacksmith and led a rebellion to overthrow Zah-hak (a.k.a. Ajidhak, 'Dragon' in ancient persian) who had reigned on Iranveyj for 1000 years. Kaveh put an end to a millenium of Zaratostrian Religion. Each millenium corresponds to a stage in the never-ending fight between Ahriman (Evil) and Ahoramazda (Good). Although Kaveh was the winner, he was not of celestial origin ,so his role in the history finishes here and Iranveyj was ruled by another king.
Iranveyj is assumed to be the land consisting of modern Iran , Turkmenistan and parts of Anatolia (the Asian part of Turkey).
During his movement, Kaveh used a piece of blacksmith leather as
his flag. This flag is not used nowadays but is a well known flag in
Iran and is a sign of nationalism. It is called
Derafsh-e-Kaviani which means 'the flag of Kaveh'.
With respect to the mythology, this flag is red, yellow and purple
and I think it is horizontally divided. This flag is not used
nowadays. It has been the sacred flag of Iran during the late
pre-islamic dynasties (till the 6th century).
M.N., 3 June 1999
Quotation of the English translation of the Shah-nameh
The Shah-nameh (The Epic of the Kings) is an epic poem written in Pehlevic (a middle Persian dialect) delivered to King Mahmud of Ghazna in 1010 or 1011. It is traditionally attributed to Firdusi (i.e. "The Heavenly"), the nickname of Abu'l Qasim Mansur, born in Shadab, Khorasan area, 934 or 949 and passed away in Tus, 1020 or 1021.
In the English translation by Reuben Levy (London, 1967), p. 20, the following description is given:
"On the end of a spear Kaveh fastened a piece of leather, of the kind which blacksmiths wear in front of their legs when using their hammers [...] The young prince Faridun saw the piece of leather attached to the spearhead and he beheld in it the foundation of prosperity to come. The leather he decorated with Greek brochade and as background to it he had a golden figure outlined with jewels sewn on it. Ribands of red, yellow, and violet cloth were hung from it and it was given the title of The Kaviani Banner'. Since those days anyone who has assumed kingly rank and placed the crown of royalty on his head has added fresh jewels to that trifling thing of blacksmith's leather."
Jarig Bakker, 4 June 1999
Quotations of the Italian translation of the Shah-nameh
In the Italian