Mehdi Akhavan-Sales

Iranian poet, teacher. Pioneered the free verse (new style) of Persian poetry under the pen name of M. Omid (“Hope”). Born in the city of Mashhad in north-east Iran (1928). Attended secondary school in Mashhad (1940s), where he wrote his first poem (1945). Graduated with a degree in metallurgy from Mashhad Technical Institute (1947) and moved to Tehran (1948), where he worked as a teacher (late 1940s). Married his cousin Iran Akhavan-Sales (1950) and published his first book of poems called Organ (1951). Headed the literary page of the Young Democrats newspaper (1951). Imprisoned for taking part in anti-government demonstrations following the CIA-backed overthrow of prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh (1953). Gained widespread recognition when he published the Winter collection of poetry (1956). Released from prison (1957) and worked as a teacher of literature in Khuzestan in south-west Iran (1959–65). Arrested for criticising the government and held at Qasr Prison in Tehran (1967). Worked for the Ministry of Education and the National Iranian Radio and Television Organisation (1970s). Elected to the Iranian Academy of Artists and Writers (1979). Forced to retire from government service without pay (1981). Visited Germany (1990). Died at Mehr Hospital in Tehran and buried near Ferdowsi in the ancient town of Tous (Susia) in north-east Iran (1990). Drawing by Milad Khanmirzaei (2013).