Here are 4 famous musicians from Iran died at 70:
Saeed Nafisi (June 8, 1896 Tehran-November 13, 1966) was an Iranian writer.
He was one of the most prominent literary figures of the early 20th century in Iran and is widely considered as the father of modern Persian prose. Nafisi played a major role in the introduction and development of modernist literature in Iran and was an innovative writer who experimented with various literary forms and styles. He authored numerous novels, short stories, essays, and literary criticisms, many of which have become classics of Persian literature.
Nafisi was also a professor of literature at Tehran University and played an influential role in shaping the literary tastes and sensibilities of many generations of Iranian writers and intellectuals. He was a vocal critic of the Pahlavi regime and was briefly imprisoned for his political views in the 1950s. Despite facing persecution and censorship, Nafisi remained a committed writer and advocate of free speech and intellectual freedom until his death in 1966.
Nafisi was born into a family of scholars and intellectuals. His father was a prominent linguist and his mother was a poet. He received his early education in Tehran and later studied literature and philosophy in Germany and France. He was deeply influenced by the European literary and intellectual movements of the early 20th century and sought to bring their ideas and styles to Persian literature.
Nafisi's literary works often dealt with the themes of love, death, and the search for identity in modern Iran. He was known for his use of symbolism, stream of consciousness, and other innovative literary techniques. His novel, "The Carpets of the Mosque," is considered a masterpiece of modern Persian literature.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Nafisi was also an active participant in Iranian politics. He was a vocal critic of the dictatorship of Reza Shah, and later, his son, Mohammad Reza Shah. He was an advocate of democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech, and used his position as a professor to educate and inspire his students.
Today, Nafisi is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in the history of modern Persian literature. His works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers alike, and his influence on Iranian literature and culture is still felt today.
Nafisi's contribution to Iranian literature extended beyond his own writing, as he was also an editor of literary magazines, including "Sedā-ye Pārsi" and "Iran-e No." He used these platforms to showcase the works of other modernist writers and poets and to champion the cause of literary reform in Iran. Nafisi's efforts helped create a new literary movement in Iran, which emphasized individualism and experimentation and rejected the traditional forms and styles of Persian literature.Nafisi was a prolific writer who produced a large body of work in his lifetime, including novels such as "The Memories of a Footman" and "The Brothers." He also wrote several influential essays on the nature of Persian literature and the role of the writer in Iranian society. His literary criticism, collected in volumes such as "An Introduction to Persian Prose," is still regarded as a seminal work in the field.Nafisi's impact on Iranian literature was recognized during his lifetime, as he received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Farabi Award. After his death, a foundation was established in his honor, the Saeed Nafisi Literary Foundation, which supports the study and promotion of modern Persian literature. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Iranian writers and intellectuals, who look to his work as a model of literary innovation, political activism, and cultural awareness.
In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Saeed Nafisi was also a professor of literature at several universities in Iran, including Tehran University and the University of Tabriz. He was a charismatic and inspiring teacher who had a profound impact on the literary education of his students. Many of his former students went on to become influential writers, critics, and intellectuals in their own right.
Nafisi was also a prominent member of the Iranian Writers Association, which was founded in 1968 as a forum for writers to exchange ideas and promote freedom of expression. He played an important role in shaping the association's agenda and was a vocal advocate for the rights of writers and intellectuals in Iran.
Despite facing censorship and political repression, Nafisi remained committed to the principles of free speech and intellectual freedom throughout his life. He believed that literature and art were essential to the development of a healthy and vibrant society, and he dedicated his life to promoting these values in Iran and beyond.
Today, Saeed Nafisi is remembered as one of the most important literary and intellectual figures in Iranian history. His innovative writing, his commitment to social justice and human rights, and his inspiring teaching continue to inspire and influence generations of writers, scholars, and activists in Iran and around the world.
Nafisi's influence on literature extended beyond Iran, as his works have been translated into several languages and have been the subject of many academic studies. He is widely recognized as a major figure in the development of modernist literature in the Middle East, and his works are often compared to those of other modernist writers such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.Nafisi's personal life was marked by tragedy, as he lost his wife to tuberculosis and his son to suicide. These experiences deeply influenced his writing, and themes of grief and loss are often present in his works.Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life, Nafisi remained committed to his principles and values. He viewed literature as a tool for social and political change, and he used his position as a writer and professor to advocate for reform and progress in Iranian society. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the literary and intellectual discourse in Iran and beyond.
Read more about Saeed Nafisi on Wikipedia »
Dariush Forouhar (August 18, 1928 Isfahan-November 21, 1998 Tehran) was an Iranian politician.
Forouhar played a significant role in the Iranian political scene. He was a founder of the National Movement of Iran and served as the Deputy Prime Minister during Mohammad Mossadegh's premiership in 1951. However, following the coup d'etat orchestrated by the CIA and MI6 in 1953, Forouhar was arrested and imprisoned for over five years.
Forouhar continued his political activism after his release, and in the 1990s, he founded the Iran Nation Party, which advocated for democracy and secularism in Iran. He was also an outspoken critic of the Islamic Republic's human rights violations, corruption, and foreign policy.
Forouhar's assassination in 1998 alongside his wife was a shock to the Iranian political scene and the international community. The Iranian government was widely believed to be behind the murders, although official responsibility was never claimed. The killing of Forouhar and his wife showed the failure of the Iranian government's commitment to basic human rights and caused a widespread outcry in Iran and abroad.
Forouhar's impact on Iranian politics and democracy is still felt today. His contributions to the National Movement of Iran and his work to advocate for democracy and secularism have been continued by many in the Iranian opposition movement. Forouhar's assassination, along with the deaths of other intellectuals and political activists, sparked a greater push for political reform in Iran. To this day, his legacy remains as a symbol of resilience and dedication to the ideals of democracy and human rights. In 2009, a park in Tehran was named after Forouhar to commemorate his life and work.
Forouhar's wife, Parvaneh, was also an accomplished political activist and women's rights advocate. She served as a Member of Parliament during the 1960s and was known for her outspoken criticisms of the Shah regime. Parvaneh Forouhar was also a founder of the Iran Nation Party alongside her husband and was equally committed to the principles of democracy and human rights. Her tragic death alongside her husband was a significant loss to the Iranian political opposition movement and to the advancement of women's rights in Iran. The couple's assassination sent shockwaves through the international community and sparked renewed calls for greater political reform in Iran. The murders also highlighted the continued threat faced by political activists and dissidents in Iran who dared to speak out against the government. Today, Dariush and Parvaneh Forouhar are remembered as champions of freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran, whose lives and legacies continue to inspire those who seek a better future for the country.
Dariush Forouhar's dedication to democracy and human rights in Iran was not limited to his political activism. He was also a respected poet and intellectual, having studied Persian literature and language at Tehran University. Forouhar published several books of poems and was known for his use of traditional Iranian poetic forms and themes in his work. His poetry often reflected his political beliefs, and his writing played a role in the cultural and intellectual opposition to the Shah regime and the Islamic Republic.
Forouhar's political legacy and poetry continue to inspire Iranians today. His life and work serve as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice required to stand up against oppressive regimes, and his commitment to democracy and human rights remains an inspiration for those fighting for a better future for Iran.
In addition to his political and literary pursuits, Dariush Forouhar was also a prominent figure in the Iranian art world. He was a collector of Persian and Islamic art and served as the head of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art in the 1980s. Forouhar was passionate about promoting Iranian art and culture both within Iran and on the international stage. His contributions to the art world, along with his political activism and poetry, demonstrate his broad range of interests and his dedication to promoting Iranian identity and culture. Today, Forouhar's legacy continues to inspire Iranians who share his belief in the importance of democracy, human rights, and cultural preservation.
He died caused by assassination.
Read more about Dariush Forouhar on Wikipedia »
Ahmad Mahmoud (December 25, 1931 Iran-October 4, 2002) was an Iranian writer and novelist.
He was born in the city of Ahvaz and grew up in Abadan, both located in southwestern Iran. After completing his primary and secondary education, he moved to Tehran to study Persian literature at the University of Tehran. His literary career began in the 1950s, and he soon became known for his realistic portrayal of social and political issues in his writing.
Mahmoud was a prolific writer and produced several novels, short stories, plays, and essays throughout his career. One of his most famous works is the novel "Desert Strata," which delves into the complexities of the Iranian society during the early twentieth century. Additionally, his works often explore themes such as poverty, inequality, and political oppression.
Despite facing censorship and persecution from the Iranian government at various times throughout his career, Mahmoud continued to write and publish his works. He was also actively involved in various political and social movements, advocating for freedom of expression and democracy in Iran.
In recognition of his contributions to Iranian literature and activism, Mahmoud received several awards, including the Iranian National Book Award and the Lotus Prize for Literature. He passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of Iran's most influential writers and intellectuals.
Mahmoud's writings often dealt with the harsh realities of life for ordinary Iranians, particularly those living in poverty or facing political repression. His work was noted for its powerful social critique, as well as its vivid portrayal of characters and settings. In addition to his literary pursuits, Mahmoud was also a prominent figure in Iranian cultural and intellectual circles. He worked as an editor for several prominent literary magazines, including Ketab-e Jom'e and Sokhan, and was among the founders of the Iranian Writers' Association.
Mahmoud's political activism sometimes placed him at odds with the Iranian government. In 1979, he was briefly imprisoned shortly after the Iranian Revolution for his criticism of the new regime. Later, in the 1990s, he was prevented from leaving Iran to participate in literary events overseas. Despite these challenges, he continued to write and speak out on issues of freedom of expression and democracy in Iran, making him a respected figure both at home and abroad.
Today, Mahmoud is regarded as a towering figure in modern Iranian literature, and his legacy continues to influence generations of writers and intellectuals in Iran and beyond. His works have been translated into many languages, and his literary style and social consciousness have inspired numerous writers and artists across the world.
Mahmoud's impact is not limited to Iranian literature; his works also shed light on the human condition and the struggles that people face regardless of their cultural backgrounds. His stories make use of powerful metaphors and allegories to convey deep-seated feelings and thoughts of his characters, which are often poignant and relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
In addition to his literary career, Mahmoud was a passionate advocate for social justice and democracy in Iran. He actively fought against censorship and oppression, and he spoke out on behalf of marginalized communities. He was a member of the National Front and played a key role in the opposition movement during the Reza Shah era. Mahmoud was also instrumental in establishing a number of cultural and literary institutions in Iran, including the Association of Iranian Writers.
Mahmoud's writing has been described as a mirror of Iranian society, and his works offer a window into the complex historical, social, and cultural realities that have shaped the country's identity. His books remain some of the most widely read and critically acclaimed works in Iranian literature, and his influence continues to be felt in the country's artistic and intellectual communities.
In addition to being a writer, Ahmad Mahmoud was also a translator, fluent in several languages including French and English. He translated works of notable writers such as Albert Camus and William Faulkner into Persian. His translation of Camus' "The Plague" was considered a masterpiece, and he was praised for his ability to convey the nuances and complexities of the original text in Persian.Mahmoud was also a teacher and mentor to many young writers in Iran. He taught at several universities and offered workshops to aspiring writers. Many of his students went on to become successful writers in their own right, and they credit Mahmoud with inspiring and guiding their literary careers.Mahmoud's legacy as a writer and activist continues to inspire younger generations of Iranians who seek to use their creativity and voice to address social and political issues in Iran. He remains one of the most influential figures in modern Iranian literature and a symbol of the power of literature to challenge and transform society.
Mahmoud's impact can be seen not only in his native Iran but also globally. His works have been translated into many languages and have been praised for their universal appeal. In addition to his writing, he was also a prominent public speaker and political activist. He often gave speeches and lectures on a range of topics related to literature, society, and politics. Mahmoud was known for his articulate, passionate, and thought-provoking speeches, which inspired many Iranians to become more politically active and engaged.
In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Mahmoud was also deeply committed to education. He believed that education was the key to social and political change, and he spent much of his time mentoring and teaching young writers and intellectuals. He was a professor at several universities and was widely admired for his dedication and passion for teaching.
Mahmoud's impact on Iranian literature and society cannot be overstated. His works continue to be read and studied today, and his legacy as an activist and intellectual remains an inspiration for many Iranians. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges throughout his life, Mahmoud never wavered in his commitment to freedom of expression, social justice, and democracy. He remains a beloved figure in Iran and a symbol of the power of literature to effect change.
Read more about Ahmad Mahmoud on Wikipedia »
Morteza Momayez (August 26, 1935 Tehran-October 25, 2005 Tehran) was an Iranian graphic designer.
He is considered one of the pioneers of modern graphic design in Iran and was instrumental in shaping the country's graphic design industry. Momayez studied at the Fine Arts Faculty of Tehran University and later pursued further studies in Switzerland where he worked with some of the top names in European graphic design.
Throughout his career, Momayez worked on a wide range of projects, including book covers, posters, logos, and packaging designs. He was particularly noted for his innovative use of typography and his ability to combine traditional Iranian and Western design elements to create unique and visually striking designs.
Apart from his work as a graphic designer, Momayez was also an educator and mentor to many young designers in Iran. He served as the head of the Graphic Design Department at Tehran University and was a frequent speaker and exhibitor at design conferences and exhibitions around the world.
Momayez's contributions to the field of graphic design in Iran and beyond have been widely recognized, and his work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide. He was awarded the First Order of Art and Culture by the Iranian government in 2003 in recognition of his lifetime achievements in the field of graphic design.
Momayez was also a prolific writer and published numerous articles and books on graphic design. He believed in the importance of education and the need for designers to have a strong understanding of the history and theory of design. His writings were influential in shaping the design discourse in Iran and helped to establish graphic design as a legitimate profession in the country.
Despite his success, Momayez remained committed to the development of the design industry in Iran and was dedicated to fostering young talent. He co-founded the Iranian Graphic Designers Association in 1968, which provided a forum for designers to exchange ideas, showcase their work, and advocate for the profession. The association, which still exists today, played a crucial role in raising the profile of graphic design in Iran and promoting its cultural significance.
Momayez's legacy continues to be felt in the Iranian design community, and his influence can be seen in the work of many young designers today. He is remembered not only for his tremendous talent but also for his generosity of spirit and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of his profession.
In addition to his contributions to graphic design, Morteza Momayez was also a skilled calligrapher and illustrator. He often incorporated calligraphy into his designs, and his illustrations were noted for their bold lines and dynamic compositions. Momayez was also deeply committed to the preservation and promotion of Iranian art and culture. He worked closely with traditional artisans and craftsmen, and his designs often incorporated elements of traditional Iranian art, including miniature painting and tile work. In recognition of his contributions to Iranian art and culture, he was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor by the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in 1997.
Despite his many achievements, Momayez remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to work tirelessly until his death in 2005, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as a designer, educator, and mentor. His impact on the field of graphic design in Iran and beyond is immeasurable, and his contributions to the development of the profession will be felt for generations to come.
Momayez's work was characterized by a unique blend of traditional Iranian and modern Western design elements, which he seamlessly integrated into his designs. He was particularly skilled in typography, which he believed to be the cornerstone of good design. Momayez often experimented with different typefaces and layouts to create designs that were both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. His designs were recognized for their clarity, simplicity, and elegance, and were often used for corporate branding and advertising campaigns.
Throughout his career, Momayez collaborated with a wide range of clients, including government agencies, cultural organizations, and private companies. His work was exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. In addition to his design work, Momayez was also involved in the film industry, designing title sequences and posters for Iranian and international movies.
Despite his success and international recognition, Momayez remained deeply committed to his homeland and to promoting Iranian culture and art. He believed that graphic design could play an important role in shaping national identity and promoting cultural understanding, and he worked tirelessly to expand the field of graphic design in Iran.
Today, Momayez is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Iranian graphic design, and his work continues to inspire designers around the world. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to education and mentorship have had a lasting impact on the profession, and his legacy as a designer, teacher, and cultural ambassador will continue to be felt for decades to come.
Momayez was known not only for his technical skills but also for his ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions through design. He believed that graphic design had the power to transcend language and cultural barriers and to communicate universal messages of peace, justice, and equality. His designs often incorporated elements of Iranian culture and history, helping to promote a sense of national identity and pride among Iranians. He was particularly interested in the traditional art of calligraphy, which he viewed as an essential part of Iranian culture and a source of inspiration for his designs.
In addition to his design work, Momayez was also an advocate for social and political causes in Iran. He was a vocal critic of the government's policies towards artists and intellectuals, and he fought tirelessly for greater freedom and autonomy for the Iranian creative community. He believed that art and design could play an important role in shaping the future of Iran, and he was determined to help create a more open and democratic society through his work.
Despite his many accomplishments, Momayez remained humble and committed to his students and colleagues. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and warmth, and he mentored countless young designers throughout his career. His legacy continues to inspire a generation of Iranian designers and artists, and his contributions to the field of graphic design will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Read more about Morteza Momayez on Wikipedia »