The Persian Nights Vs. The Arabian Nights

Abstract

This paper explores the possible origins of some names in 1001 Nights. The names of the major characters of the Night stories, and their borrowed reflexes in Arabic, have been traced back to their ancient Persian roots. Examples from classical works are brought to argue that Shahrāzād, Shahriyār, and Dīnāzād are not only the correct forms but more suitable to the deep structure of the frame-story of 1001 Nights than other variations or alternative forms of these names.