Khayam

Omar Khayyam (1048–1131) was a Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet, best known in the West for his poetry collection Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. His contributions to mathematics were profound, particularly in algebra, where he classified cubic equations and provided geometric solutions using conic sections. He also worked on calendar reform, improving the accuracy of the Persian calendar.

Khayyam’s poetry, written in the form of rubaiyat (quatrains), reflects themes of existentialism, love, and the transient nature of life. His verses, made famous through Edward FitzGerald’s translation, emphasize enjoying the present moment and questioning fate and religious dogma.