SABERI FOUMANI,Kiyumars(A Biography)By:Raffi PetrossianA swarthy fatherly figure, of medium stature, refined and civilized, with penetrating gaze and a thin shade of constant mild smile, intellectual and articulate, spontaneous and remarkably gentle and soft-spoken, yet no-nonsense speaker, now 56, the contemporary Iranian man-of-letters, writer and satirist, Kiyumars SABERI FOUMANI (GOLAGHA)(1) was born in a very poor family, on August 29, 1941, in Sowme-e Sara, a city in Guilan Province, North Iran, when the Allied forces of World War II were in Iran, then.Saberi's father, a non-graded employee of Finance Ministry, originally from Rasht, the provincial capital of Guilan Province, was transferred to Sowme-e Sara, in 1938, and in some four years later, in 1942, he was again transferred to the finance department in Fouman and after a few months passed away in this town.His mother, one of the very few literate women in the city, who maintained an old -fashioned primary school and taught Koran, was born to a much respected family of clergy of Turk descent. She was highly reverred and this respect,expressed mainly towards such families emanated spiritual value, while they all continued their meagerly living. And since his mother's income was the only utterly insufficient stipened, earned from the school, after his father's demise, his older brother, then 15, quitted studying and began working, thus, coming to the assistance of the family's thrifty income.Saberi came through his primary education in Fouman. His brother, 14 years his elder, was earning the family's livlihood, with extreme difficulty, which made Saberi's further education quite a travail. After graduating from primary school, he was thus absorbed in the workforce, by working in a tailor's shop, but at the end of the fol1owing September, upon the insistence of his mother and friends, in 1954, he began the secondary education. Again, due to the pressing impecuniosity, at the end ot the first course of secondary education (9 years), he returned to the tailor's shop. And as he discloses cheerfully, he even achieved notable success and progress in this profession! It is worth recording that during his primary and high school years, in addition to his toiling in the tailor's shop, he also helped his brother who ran a bicycle repair shop.At 16, (1957) Saberi, succeeding among other participants in the Sari Agriculture College (boarding) entrance examinations from Fouman, (this town was allowed to contribute only one successful participant) graduated the College's two-year course.At 18, (1959) he was assigned, for two years, as teacher, to a village in Kasma, a suburb of Sowme-e Sara. He taught there for a year and the next year (1960) he was transferred to a village called Koocheh Chal, a suburb of Maklavan, not far from Fouman. He taught and managed this quadri-classed school, single handedly. At 20, (1961) he sat for the diploma (12 Class) examinations as a sundry participant and was granted with this credential, which followed immediately his success in The Faculty of Political Law examinations of The Tehran University. In concurrent with his University studies he taught in primary and high schools. After only a few months of his first year of the University, which co-incided with the political demonstrations of The Tehran University and consequently his apprehension, he did not attend the classes regularly, and would do so only for sitting in the examinations.Nonetheless, after four years he succeeded acquiring his BS in Political Law of the said University, in 1965. All these turbulnt circumstances came to a head in 1961, when his teachings were suspended for a while, and after a disciplinary court trials he was back to teaching in a primary school in Fouman. He would commute every month to Tehran -300 kilometers -to replicate pamphlets of the lessons, from other students.Saberi wrote his first lyric poem "The Orphan", in eight couplets for displaying it on the school's bulletin board, when he was 14 and studying in the 8th. grade of secondary school. And why did he dub this title for his first poem? "It is quite obvious", he says, "from 14 to 16 years of age, I wrote a total of fourteen poems and all of them were either titled "Orphan" or were about orphans!"Saberi's initial poem during 1957-60, which appeared in Omid-e Iran Magazine, was again titled, "The Orphan".During his first year in the University (1961), Saberi participated in the student demonstrations and was beaten and sequestered. His neck was seriously hurt by the blows of police truncheons. He composed a politico/satire poem, under the pseudonym ,The Broken Neck Of Fouman" and sent it to TOWFIQ (a well-known weekly satirical magazine of pre-revolution years.)A few issues later, this poem was published and thus Saberi was dragged ever since into the world of satirical literature. Until 1966, he kept on sending, every now and then, such poems to Towfiq. And that was the year when, through Hossain Towfiq's assistance he was transferred to Tehran, and assumed teaching in one of the high schools. He began co-operating permanently with Towfiq. And shortly afterwards he was assigned as assistant editor-in-chief to Hossain Towfiq, for "Towfiq Satirical Weekly Magazine".In conjunction with this responsibility, he carried out binding and occasionally also improvement and preparatory work for printing the articles of the editorial board members. Later on he established his own column of "The Eight Days of the Week". This went on until the Magazine was banned in 1971.His many signatures in Towfiq included "Mirza Gol",(1) “Abdolfanoos”(2), "Rish Sefid”(3) ,"Lowdeh ( 4 )", "Gardan Shekasteh Foumani’ (5),… etc!After Towfiq was banned, Saberi continued teaching. He would occasionally compose serious poems, and very rarely would have them printed.He later distroyed all these poems for he considered all these were of mediocre literary value. Mediocre poems would not satisfy him.In The Tehran Industrial School of Training, Saberi later met Mohammad Ali Rejai who, after revolution, became Prime Minister and later President. This acquaintance gradually developed into a very sincere and close friendship that lasted until the latter's martyrdom. (September 8, 1981)."Deduction from Emam Ali's (Peace be upon Him) commandments to Malek Ashtar (then governor of Egypt), was the theme of Saberi's thesis,written between 1964-65. Upon Rajai's suggestion this thesis was later compiled as a book and printed as such in 1978.The proof-reader of this book was Hojjat-ol-eslam Seyyed Mohammad Khamenei, (the elder brother of Hazrat-e Ayatollah-e Khamenei, The Leader of Revolution.)It is worth mentioning that before this date, the transcription of this book was distributed, for some time among students and people.During 1976-81 Saberi spent most of his time studying and teaching and in 1978 obtained his MA(literature) from The Tehran University.After Revolution,during the premiership of Martyr Rajai,Saberi was appointed as Cultutal and Press Adviser and afterwards during the presidency of the latter he was appointed as Cultural Adviser to the President until the latter's martyrdom. His appointment was later retained during Ayatollah Khamenei's presidency.Saberi's post-revolution duties and responsibilities included:-* - Committee member of The Founders of Music Association.* - Adviser to the Minister of Housing and City Construction.* - Director General of Commercial and Crafts of the Ministry of Education's Office.* - Teaching in the established classes of The College of Correspondences.* - Teaching in The College of Industrial Relations.* - Teaching in The Islamic Center of Film Making.* - Co-operating with The assistant of International Affairs of The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance as Honorary Adviser (1984-1990).* - Elected Member of The Committee of Titling of The Supreme Council of Cultural revolution.* - Member of Iranian Delegation to the conference of the Heads of Non - Aligned Countries.(New Delhi 1982).Also he has travelled to India, the former Soviet Union, Algiers, Syria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Austria, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya and Germany. And also made three pilgrimages to The Mecca. Saberi would not be contented with politics; therefore he gradually distanced himself from it and expanded his cultural activities: the field of his liking.When he was responsible for “ The Growth of Persian Literature” Magazine, every now and then he would also write articles for ETTELA-AT Daily. His memoires of "VISIT TO THE U.S.S.R." which was later published as a book is of this nature.For quite some time he was contemplating of establishing a politico-satire column. In 1986 he was honoured by visiting The Mecca. Stationed in KHOMEINI'S(P) sanctum sanctorum, he would publish a bulletin for 150,000 Iranian pilgrims, which contained subjects, such as, pilgrimage rites and news about Iran and the world, Mecca and Medina. To make these bulletins more pleasant and interesting to read, first in Mecca and later in Medina, he initiated the satirical column of "Jaafar Agha's Tales" that attracted many Iranian pilgrims. Says he, when citing recollections of his pilgrimage;"In Mecca, in the vicinity of Kaaba, I took out my pen and facing Kaaba I vowed and made a solemn deal with the Almighty of Kaaba"O God, pray, Thou be the witness that l taketh my steps only in the exaltation of Thee and of my country; Thou maketh me immune of any wrong-doings and protect my pen, lest it deviates from the right path"'.After his return from Hadj he worked quite a while on re-structuring his satirical columns. From several titles he eventually chose the heading "DO KALAMEH HARF-E HESAB" (A couple of sensible words), was published in ETTELA-AT Daily's January 13, 1984 issue. Thus the politico-satire column, which was suspended since 1980, was revived and resumed with more enthusiasm.After a fairly short while of the resumption of this column its author was considered as Country's most prominent critic of the government. His commanding penmanship and rhetorical statements on political and social realities came to be known as the government's safety valve, but unaffectcd by such discouraging views by some people, he kept up with his firm convictions and in a remarkably short time, he attracted the admiring attention of a host of readers; authorities, men-of-letters, and thinkers, authors as well as local and foreign media. Professor Ali Djamalzadeh was one of the very first among many responders who, through numerous letters, encouraged Saberi to continue his premise and praised his satires. Despite the prominent positions he occupied in the political system, he stuck to the politico-satirical aspects more ardently and disregarding all the hardships, he went on with his firm resolutions.After some six years of the publication of his "A couple of sensible words", and despite his previous application and approval to publish a serious Weekly of "FASL-E DJADID" (New Era), which, for various reasons he declined to publish it and instead applied for the concession to publish a satirical weekly magazine, titled "GOLAGHA", which he successfully launched its first issue in October 1990 and presto! it met with the immense interest and enthusiasm of the public, which were swept away from the news stands within the first half an hour of its appearance.(The first year's issues of "Golagha" was later reprinted in many more copies).Soon after he also acquired publishing rights for two more pulications. The first issue of "GOLAGHA” Monthly in August 1991 and "GOLAGHA" Yearly around the end of the same year, proved that Saberi entered Iran's circle of satirical publications with a bag full of significantly rich subjects in his trails and the Iranian public welcomed him with a rare response of appreciations and encouragements."Golagha" publications are read by the people of all walks of life. Albeit they are known conventionally as "peoples'" publications, but in the satirical field it is a prominent branch of Persian literature, occupying a significant place and is welcomed and confirmed by the thinkers and researchers. For instance: In the first Press Exhibition, in May 1992, co - inciding and in conjunction with the Fourth Tehran International Book Exhibition, amongst all the publications of the country, Golagha was ranked first and publicatiC::«s'of the Country "Golagha" was ranked first and honoured with the first prize of the "Press Exhibition"(The Chrystal Plaque and Letter of Appreciation). And again in the following year-1993- at the second Press Exhibition achieved the second prize. In 1994 in the third Exhibition and first Press Festival "Golagha" was ranked first and was honoured with the Country's First Press Prize, (Golden Plaque) and The Committee on the Writing Manners of the First Festival of Publications, composed of the members of the Iran Academy of Writers' Group, confirmed the superiority of "Golagha" publications for accuracy and guardianship of the limits and borders of Persian language and literature, and were nominated for the attainment of the First Rank and introduced to Festival of Pulications Board of Judges.The profusion of difficulties for publishing the Weeklies, Monthlies, Yearlies and Golagha books, drastically reduced Saberi's activities in "ETTELA-AT" and eventually, in 1993, and after nine years the column of "A couple of sensible words" came to an end. Nevertheless and despite the suspension of this column, Saberi continued to furnish his admirers by publishing the said column in "Golagha Weeklies" and also under the heading of "Greetings…Good Night" in the Monthlies. It is worth mentioning that "A couple of sensible words", interrupted for nearly four years was resumed in May 1997.Kiyumars Saberi's scientific familiarity in conjunction with his paramount and vast knowledge of politics and literature have been unequivocal factors of his unique renderings of a writing style, rich and worthy of deliberation in its remarkable form and contents. He was a prolific writer with inclination and outstandingly able in constructi”g analogues from a wealth of Persian literature. Saberi's writing style is easy but difficult to imitate, thus; "absolutely inimitable"The offsprings of Saberi's marriage in 1966 were a son and a daughter. His son, Arash, was killed in a car accident in 1985 while in his second year of university studies, leaving a tormenting and indellible scar on his father's heart. Despite this devastating calamity, he, nonetheless, clenched to his goals and ideals of creating joy and happiness while confronting the evil and moral debasements.Saberi successfully made investments on the youth and trained a host of noteworthy satirists. He indisputably is the satirist that leaves the most lasting impression on the country's literature of satire."Golagha" satires are a blend of: critisisms, feigning ignorance, compassion, justice, politeness, brevity, retentive shrewdness instigating and giving hope and joy.Golagha's personage in "A couple of sensible words" is one who is conversant with circumstances and affairs, persistent, arbiterary, conscientious and administrator, who speaks first and owes no ear to anyone's words; a spectacle, a cane and a pen are his implements."SHAGHOLM" -GOLAGHA'S BUTLER: This character, representing the common people (laymen) is constantly prone to injuries and harms; speaks his mind deliberatly and in layman's flat language, without analyzing and weighing his words; questions government internal and external policies and amazingly his shots always hit the bull's eye!. While Golagha is feigning ignorance, Shagholam is innately naive and simple-minded and because of this he is continually punished by Golagha. Breaking the cane on Shagholam's pate, singeing his moustache, pulling and twisting his ear, making him stand on one foot near the door, sticking his palm on the boiling samovar's surface… are the calamities! that Golagha, when annoyed and enraged, inflicts upon Shagholam."MAMSADEGH":- Representing the people in the street and bazaar. Every now and then through his letters he raises problems and criticisms and asks for Golagha's guidances."KAMINEH": - Mamsadegh's spouse, and womenfolks' speaker in Golagha's "A couple of sensible words"'series, likewise, in her letters she criticises certain issues and affairs, and occasionally even beyond such matters, on behalf of her own sex."MASH RAJAB": - The elderly rustic man with his "beloved"! felt hat, who before Shagholam's character was created in the "A couple of sensible words", was a propounded personality. Later on his role was gradually faded and eventually eliminated."GHAZANFAR":- The illiterate man responsible for Golagha's PR affairs. He is the most intelligent member of Shagholam's pantry, hence he has been entrusted with to carry out duties given to him. Occasionally he intervenes in Shagholam-Golagha discussions or some times he writes about things that are obviously beyond his capabilities.Saberi was the creator of this assemblage of amiable characters, and through these personages he reflects the difficulties of his country's sixty million population.Kiyumars Saberi, serious and stubborn in his idealism, was way above that of his personality as a satirist. He is most praiseworthy with his assists and aids to the Press, schools, the impecunious, infirmeries and sanatoriums of the elderly, renal and talassemi inflicteds, the Iraqi homelesses, the oppressed Bosni- Hertzogovinians, …is worthy of consideration and appraisal. He is always ready and prepared for reform and improvement and he, more than anyone else, volunteered for such amendment and he tried and did his best within his capabilites and possibilities.Saberi's literary works published, to date, are:-1.- Reflections on Hazrat-e Ali's(P) command to Malek Ashtar(1)2.- Correspondences of Martyr Rajai and Bani Sadr.(2)3.- The first interpellation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.4.- Visit to the U.S.S.R.5.- Selection of "A couple of sensible words". Volume 1.6.- Selection of "A couple of sensible words". Volume 2.7.- Selection ot "A couple of sensible words". Volume 3.- Mr. flowerLiterally meaning: 1- Prince Flower2-Servant of Lantern, .3- White Beard4- Buffoon5- The Broken Neck of Fouman-1- Governer of the ancient Egypt.2- The first but deposed President of The I.R. of Iran.***Together with the anniversary of the thirteenth year of "Golagha Weekly" publication on Aban 2,1381 (October 24,2002) Golagha, without revealing any reasons, brought the said Weekly to an abrupt standstill and thus plunged the press community and the public into astonishment. Until the last moments of his life he solemnly stuck to his "silence fasting" about the reasons that drove him to suspend the Weekly and did not unfold the secret. In the end "the Golagha of Iranian People" after two months’suffering and heroically struggling with canceremia, passed away, on Friday, Ordibehesht 11,1383 (March 30, 2004) and on Saturday, Ordibehesht 12, 1383 (March 31, 2004) coinciding with "The Teacher Day", his pure body was put to rest in the Artists’ Section God’s Acre of Behesht –e Zahra*, among the mourning of his innumerable students, friends, colleagues, dignitaries, writers, and men-of- letters, and readers of his literary works. The problems, hardships of the walks of life and its calamities, (including the devastating loss of his only son in a car accident) were unable to waver him off his aims and goals- cheering up the public- until the last wee seconds of his life, he kept on his real interest, i.e.; teaching. So much so that today the country’s youths and the proponent satirists, in hundreds, consider themselves as reared and educated by Golaghaiana School of Satire. Golagha firmly believed that "Happiness Is the Peoples’ Right" and all the satires he wrote were devoid of rancour,spite and hatred; he was unwaveringly convinced that satire is the bistoury and not the Butcher’s Knife. When criticizing, he would not trespass against the justice and would never write anything to which he would not believe in. THE PATH HE SET UP IN THE CONTEMPORARY SATIRE WILL BE CONTINUED BY HIS STUDENTS AND GOLLEAGUES. * (Fatima) Zahra – the Prophet Mohammad’s Daughter. Hence "The Paradise of Zahra."
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