Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Behjat Tabrizi (1906-1988), widely known as Shahriar, is a renowned Iranian poet who wrote remarkable poetry both in Azerbaijani and Persian languages.
Iran (IMNA) - Shahriar was one of the first Iranians who wrote a prominent collection of poems in Azerbaijani language. Following his education, he subsequently studied at the government-sponsored college of Dar-al-Fonoun in Tehran. Shahriar studied medicine in the college; however, he dropped out just before getting his diploma.
Initially, at the age of thirteen, his poems were published in Adab magazine under the factious name of Behjat. Shahriar lost his tendency on Behjat thereafter and took Shahriar’s pen name for himself.
At the age of 45, he wrote ‘Heydar Babaye Salam’ as a brilliant work. This poem achieved tremendous popularity and reached the pinnacle of literary world. Heydar Baba is the name of a mountain overlooking the village Khoshgenab near Tabriz. In this poem, Shahriar narrates his childhood memories. As a masterpiece, this poem has been translated into more than 30 languages. Indeed, Shahriar’s nostalgia and his bittersweet memories are reflected in his works, Hazyan-e Del, Heydar Baba and Mumiyai.
Shahriar’s poems are chiefly influenced by Hafez, the notable Persian poet and Khasta Qasim, an inspiring Iranian-Azerbaijani poet, mystic and philosopher. Shahriar was an artist and art lover. He was a talented calligrapher and an enthusiastic sitar (Iranian musical instrument) player. Moreover, he received an honorary Ph.D. degree from University of Tabriz in literature.
After Shahriar’s death, his house was bought by the Municipality of Tabriz and inaugurated as Ostad Shahriar’s Museum in 1991. Shahriar’s simple life and deep thoughts have given rise to the friendly and welcoming ambience which are reflected in his everyday belongings.
Photos by: Elahe Jalali
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