“Kubla Khan” and Islamic Structures: Retracing Symbolism and Investigating Imagination

Coleridge's poem 'Kubla Khan' reveals striking architectural parallels between Xanadu, the Mongol summer palace, and Islamic structures, suggesting a fusion of historical mimesis and imaginative symbolism. The study identifies resemblances between Xanadu's pleasure-dome and Islamic paradise gardens (chaharbagh), as well as similarities with Kashmir's geographical spaces, supported by accounts from Marco Polo and other travelers. It further compares Xanadu to the Taj Mahal and Mecca, exploring its allegorical significance in relation to Islamic paradise or Jannah. The research examines possible influences on Coleridge’s poem, including historical narratives and his dreams, while retracing the symbolism of this fabled city.

Chatterjee, S. (2019). “Kubla Khan” and Islamic Structures: Retracing Symbolism and Investigating Imagination. New Horizons in English Studies, 4, 67–73. https://doi.org/10.17951/nh.2019.4.67-73