Baba'i ben Lotf

Baba'i ben Lotf was a prominent figure in 17th-century Iranian Jewish literature, residing in Kashan, a city he likely originated from. As a poet and historian, he made significant contributions to the literary landscape of Safavid Iran. His most notable work is the Ketāb-e anūsī, also known as the Book of the forced convert, a comprehensive Judeo-Persian chronicle comprising approximately 5,300 verses written in Persian using the Hebrew script.

Baba'i ben Lotf's life was marked by the challenges of being a Jewish poet and historian in a predominantly Islamic society. Despite being forcibly converted to Islam, he continued to practice Judaism in secret, reflecting his affiliation with the crypto-Jewish community of Iran. The Ketāb-e anūsī is considered a pioneering work in the historical narrative of Iranian Jews, offering valuable insights into the experiences of the community during that period. His legacy extended to future generations, with his grandson Baba'i ben Farhad following in his footsteps as a chronicler, ensuring the continuation of his literary and historical traditions.