Muṣliḥ Al-dīn Lārī " (d. 979 /1572) "An intellectual of three empires"

This thesis examines the intellectual legacy of the sixteenth-century polymath Muṣliḥ al-dīn Lārī (d. 1572), focusing on his historical work Mir'atu'l-Advār wa Mirḳātu'l-Aḫbār (The Mirror of Epochs and the Staircase of Historical Reports). Though better known for his contributions to philosophy, theology, mathematics, and astronomy, Lārī's historical work has received little academic attention. Written in his later years, it reflects his educational background, worldview, and intellectual vision. The study explores Lārī's perspective by analyzing his writings on the Safavid, Timurid, and Ottoman empires, contributing to Persian historiography, particularly the transition from Timurid to Safavid rule. Positioning him within the Persian historiographical tradition, it argues that he was a key figure in this intellectual framework. It also examines his decision to write a universal history for Sultan Selim II and the interplay between literature and history in his work. This thesis critically evaluates Lārī's historiographical approach, highlighting its lasting influence. While his historical role may seem secondary to his philosophical pursuits, his work preserves and transmits knowledge, shedding light on Persian literary traditions in Ottoman historiography.