West–östlicher Divan

It is part of Goethe's late work and the last great cycle of poetry he wrote.

The initial issue consisted of twelve books: The work can be seen as a symbol for a stimulating exchange and mixture between Orient and Occident.

For a better understanding, Goethe added "Notes and Queries", in which he comments on historical figures, events, terms and places.

West-Eastern Diwan influenced poets such as Friedrich Rückert, who in 1822 issued his Östliche Rosen (Eastern Roses) collection of Oriental poetry, as well as Christian Morgenstern and Walter Benjamin.

In 1923 the Persian-language poet Sir Muhammad Iqbal issued the Payam-e-Mashriq (Message from the East) in reply to Goethe's salute.

[2] Various poems were set to music by Franz Schubert (D 717 "Suleika II", Op.