In Persian mythology a winged creature large enough to carry off an elephant. It can appear in the form of a peacock with the claws of a lion and the head of a dog , or, later, with a human face. It is an inherently wise and benovolent being, legendary for saving the life of prince Zal in the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi. Also spelled senmurv. Video here.
Simurgh. Tile mosaic on the portal of the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasa, Bukhara, Uzbekistan. After 1623. Photo: Alaexis.