The infant Hamza survives King Anoshirvan’s ‘Slaughter of the Innocents' and grows up to be a champion wrestler.
	Hamza marries the King’s daughter, but spends 18 years with the fairies, learns magic, the language of djinns and how to kill devs (giant demons).
	The Tribulations of Mihrdukht – the beautiful, brave princess ( a champion archer) her suitors, and her dauntless husband Hamid.
	The story of Landhaur – A giant, King of Saylan, raised by elephants, defeated by Hamza, then his friend and ally to the end.
	The death of Qubad, Hamza’s youngest son – the King’s wishes are tragically misinterpreted.
	The kidnap of Hamza, and his amazing rescue.
	Zamurrud Shah, King of the East, and a giant, is defeated by gardeners, and wanders off alone.
	The battle for Noshad Fort – swashbuckling princes, disobeying orders, finally win the day.
	Princess Kwarmah and Prince Ibrahim – the many twists and turns on the rocky road for two young lovers whose fathers are at war.
	Prince Said Farrukh-Nizhad and Princess Malak Mah – as above, but with more twists.
	The adventures and exploits of Malik Iraj – a brilliant and fierce enemy, who finally becomes a friend.
	Antali – Hamza’s cunning campaign for control of the city of Zoroaster and the sorcerers.
	The battle for Shishan Pass, and the unplugging of the dam.

The paintings can be shown on slides, or on disc through Powerpoint. Stephen Novy clearly sets out the historical background to the myths: it all starts with Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib – The Prophet Mohammed’s uncle – in 6th century Arabia, and continues through 9th century Iraq and Persia, with Hamza ibn Abdullah Kareji, a descendant of the first Hamza. They become one person in the myth.
For audiences of appropriate age and interests, the following topics can also be covered, to be developed later by the teachers or lecturers:-

	the origin and development of the Moghul empire, and in particular Shah Akbar’s rule and the wonders of his court, with its openness to new and external cultural influences , its tolerance of religious difference and diversity and its pursuit of the Sufi ideal of the Perfect Peace
	how the Hamza Project came about, how it was organised, and the fascinating history of the paintings and texts from the late 16th century to the present day
	the salient features of Persian art and Indian art, their relationship to each other and to European art of the time
	pre-Islamic religious belief in Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East, Zoroastrianism, and the ancient religions of Hindustan, Bengal and Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
	the life of the Prophet, and the origins of Islam.

This is a unique and fascinating presentation. The core material – the stories and the paintings – was almost unknown in the west, and for three centuries hardly known even in the east, until the exhibition, first at the Smithsonian, and then at the V and A. It is a new and immensely valuable cultural and educational resource, which can lead to further exploration and learning in many directions, stimulated by the wonderful paintings and the highly entertaining storytelling. Stephen Novy’s presentation/performance can last from one hour to two hours, according to the ground that you would like covered to suit your particular age-group or curriculum interest.

Return to top