Enayat Fani’s tribute to Mahmud Kianush
This blog draws from Enayat Fani’s moving speech, capturing the heartfelt essence of his personal reflections.
Mahmud Kianush was not just a poet and writer, he was a thinker whose deep understanding of life found expression in his flawless poetry and prose. His love for the Persian language was unmatched, and his dedication to preserving it, especially after settling in the West, shaped much of his life’s work.
I met Kianush more than 40 years ago in London, at the home of my friend, the artist Iraj Emami. At that time, I already knew him through his poetry, but meeting him in person, as a prominent poet, writer, and literary critic, was an honour. His reputation had preceded him, but what I found in Kianush was not just a skilled writer but a man of depth, humility, and unwavering loyalty.
Our friendship blossomed in the late 1980s, when I invited him to speak at a literary event I was organising. His speech was profound and thought-provoking, filled with his characteristic insights into poetry and life. A few years later, we became even closer, particularly during his time at the BBC Persian Radio in London in the early 1990s. It was then that I had the privilege of working with him on many significant literary programs. His investigations into modern Iranian literature and his exploration of Persian poetry were illuminating, and his unique voice resonated through his sharp prose and elevated thoughts.
We shared countless conversations—whether in person, over the phone, or via email. Over the years, we exchanged more than 600 emails, each one a lesson in thoughtfulness and depth. Kianush’s words were always measured, always insightful, and there was always something new to learn from him.
As his health began to decline, our conversations continued. I will never forget our last phone call, when we both knew the end was near. I told him, “Men like you are born only once. You will live forever in your words and voice.” That’s who Kianush was—a man unafraid of solitude, who found creativity in the quiet moments where many would feel lonely. He often said, “In solitude, a person finds themselves,” and this philosophy shaped not only his life but also his poetry.
Kianush’s view of humanity was profound. He saw people as beings searching for meaning, often torn between their primal instincts and their higher humanity. Yet despite his depth, he was never one to seek the spotlight. He turned down countless invitations for interviews and shunned the attention that often came with his success. What mattered to him was loyalty, honesty, and the purity of friendships. Those who lacked these values had no place in his life…
…I would like to end with two of his poems (quatrains) that have stayed with me. The first, “My Animal Self,” ( حیوان من ) is a contemplation on the inner struggle between primal instincts and the human spirit’s vulnerability, while the second, “Eternal Life,” ( حیات جاودانی ) is an invitation to transcend the physical realm and glimpse the timeless through the wisdom of the soul. The latter he dedicated to me, and I will forever cherish it as a symbol of our enduring friendship.
Kianush’s legacy lives on, not just in his works but in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. His words, his wisdom, and his view of the world will remain with us, a testament to a life lived with depth, meaning, and unwavering loyalty.
Enayat Fani
Journalist, poet, documentary filmmaker, and former editor-in-chief and host of BBC Persian’s “Be Ebarat-e Digar” and “Page 2”
Retired March 2023
Do you have any special memories of Mahmud Kianush that have inspired you over the years? We’d love to hear your story in the comments.
Copyright shall at all times remain vested in the Author. No part of the work shall be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the Author’s express written consent.
