The Luxuriousness of Personal Entertainments and Recreations in the Abbasid-Era Khorasan

Abstract

This paper examines luxuriousness as manifested in the entertainments and recreations enjoyed by the Khorasanid community members under Abbasid-ruled Persia ca. 750-1258 A.D. Those members used to have various ways of entertainment and recreation including hunting, equestrianism, chess, game sport, wrestling, traveling, hiking, poem recitation, singing, as well as other literary, artistic, and intellectual means. These entertainments, additionally, involved the public as well as the ruling elites, sultans, emirs, shahs, and other wealthy people. Khorasan, having its own unique Persianate combination of cultural, religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversities, has also been known for its natural landscapes, green areas, wide passages, and flowery parks, an element that has helped make this province an attractive destination for leisure seekers of different backgrounds, levels, ages, and territories.