Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam was a philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, and poet. He was born in Nishapur in 1048. Although his scientific standing is higher than his literary standing, but his reputation is more because of his Rubā'iyyāt. He is the author of one of the most important treatises on algebra written before modern times, the Treatise on Demonstration of Problems of Algebra (1070), which includes a geometric method for solving cubic equations by intersecting a hyperbola with a circle. He contributed to reform Persian calendar.
Of knowledge naught remained I did not know,
Of secrets, scarcely any, high or low;
All day and night for three score and twelve years,
I pondered, just to learn that naught I know.
(Rubā'iyyāt, Sa'idī 1991, rubā'i no. 93)
Tomb of Khayyam
The garden that the tomb of Khayyam is located in, is one of the most spectacular gardens in Nishapur and has a complex of library and museum.
