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Omar Khayyam, born on May 18, 1048, in Nishapur, Persia, remains an enduring figure in literature and mathematics. A polymath in the truest sense, Khayyam made significant contributions to various fields including astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, and poetry. He is best celebrated for his poetic work, 'Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám', a collection of quatrains (Persian 'rubaiyas'), which gained monumental fame in the West through the translations of Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century. His 'Rubáiyát' reflects a deeply philosophical and questioning approach to the meaning of life and the divine, blending earthly pleasures with metaphysical contemplations, a characteristic facet of Khayyam's literary style, often marked by skepticism and hedonism. Additionally, 'Salámán and Absál' offers narrative poetry demonstrating his versatility as a poet, though it is less well-known than the 'Rubáiyát'. As a mathematician, Khayyam's work on algebra and geometry were groundbreaking, influencing subsequent generations of scholars. Despite the uncertainties regarding the attributions of many quatrains to him, his reputation as an intellectual giant of the medieval era is uncontested, and his works continue to be studied and cherished for their profound depth and beauty.
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