"The Concourse of the Birds", Folio 11r from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds) 1575 - 1625

Habiballah of Sava painted "The Concourse of the Birds" around the turn of the 17th century, illustrating a pivotal scene from Farid al-Din Attar’s epic poem, *Mantiq al-Tayr*. In this vibrant composition, birds from all walks of life gather, each representing different human traits and spiritual seekers. This reflects the Sufi tradition which uses symbolic language to explore complex spiritual concepts. The journey of the birds symbolizes the soul’s quest for enlightenment. It is a complex allegory for the trials and tribulations of those seeking union with the divine. The detailed rendering of each bird, from the peacock to the nightingale, alongside the lush landscape creates a rich tapestry, filled with movement and color. Habiballah’s work invites us to reflect on our own journeys, and perhaps consider where we are on the path to our own true selves. The poem emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-awareness, and the ultimate realization that the divine is within each of us.