Articles

Reciting Poetry in a Garden, ceramic tiles, 17th century

Instructions on Contributing to the Collective Ghazal

By Aazib Chaudhry ·

While a ghazal traditionally has a single author, here, at The Ghazal Project, we would like to celebrate the beauty of the English ghazal by fostering a sense of shared creativity and connection. Our platform’s Collective Ghazal feature allows users from around the world to join in crafting a single, continuous poem. continue...

Nizamuddin Auliya with His Disciple Amir Khusrow, 17th century

How to Write an English Ghazal: Exploring Three Variants

By Aazib Chaudhry ·

The ghazal consists of a series of couplets, each of which is autonomous yet connected through thematic resonance. In this guide, we explore three variations of the ghazal. We also discuss the importance of meter and offer examples to illustrate the art of crafting a ghazal. continue...

Khusraw Listening to Barbad Playing Music, Nizami's Khamsa (Five Poems), 16th century

A Brief History of the Ghazal

By Aazib Chaudhry ·

The ghazal is one of the most enduring poetic forms in the history of literature, with origins deeply rooted in the Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and South Asian traditions. Over the centuries, it has transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, evolving into a versatile medium for expressing themes of love, loss, spirituality, and existential longing. continue...