By Dr. Hossein Hadisi
On October 5th, 2024, at SOAS, London, scholars, friends, and admirers gathered to honour Mahmud Kianush; a unique figure in Iranian literature whose work continues to inspire readers with its depth and emotional resonance.
In the concluding segment of the commemoration, Dr. Hossein Hadisi reflected on the enduring impact of Mahmud Kianush’s literary works, known for their distinctive depth and insight. Although he had been well acquainted with Kianush’s Letter from London broadcasts on the BBC World Service, it wasn’t until later that he realised Kianush was the voice behind the title. He vividly recalls Kianush’s voice: warm, comforting and unmistakably memorable, leaving an indelible impression on him and all who heard it.
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A Voice that Speaks Beyond Words
Dr. Hadisi shared that he had long been familiar with Mahmud Kianush’s children’s poetry, which had been set to music over the years, admired for its vivid imagery and engaging style. As he delved deeper into Kianush’s broader body of work, his appreciation grew even stronger. Two poems in particular, “Tehran” ( تهران ) and “We Must Sing Our Song“, ( باید آوازمان را بخوانیم ) resonated with him deeply. In tribute to Kianush, Dr. Hadisi had composed original music for these poems, which he performed during the commemoration.
Capturing the Soul of “Tehran” ( تهران )
One poem, in particular, is personal to Dr. Hadisi; Kianush’s poem about the city of Tehran. Although Dr. Hadisi grew up in Dalijan, Gilan province, he spent many formative years in Tehran, and the city holds fond memories for him. However, he had never encountered a poem that truly captured Tehran’s essence – until he read Kianush’s work.
Kianush’s poem about Tehran is dark, layered with history and emotion, but not in the way Dr. Hadisi had expected. Initially, he thought it might reference the Bahman, 1357 (January, 1979) Revolution, but to his surprise, it was written in 1969. The historical context of this poem intrigued Dr. Hadisi, providing a fresh perspective on Tehran during a time of transformation.
The Power of Voice: “We Must Sing Our Song” ( باید آوازمان را بخوانیم )
Among Kianush’s works that profoundly resonated with Dr. Hadisi is his poem We Must Sing Our Song, a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend, poet and writer Mohammad Zohari. Written in 1986 and later published in The Book of Friendship ( کتاب دوستی ) in 1988, the poem reflects the depth of their bond and Kianush’s enduring admiration for his friend.
This poem, a masterful tribute, reaches beyond mere expression to embody a philosophy of life. In We Must Sing Our Song, Kianush urges us to find and use our voices while we are here, to leave a mark, a remembrance, for when we return to the embrace of mother earth. For Kianush, ‘singing’ is a profound act of bearing witness to our existence—a means of ensuring that something of us endures beyond our time. His words resonate as a gentle yet firm reminder that each voice, each expression, contributes to the tapestry of human memory. This poem is a call not only to artists, but to all who seek to express their truths, creating an imprint of thought, feeling, and spirit that defies the silence of oblivion.
Kianush’s Enduring Legacy
The commemoration of Mahmud Kianush at SOAS gathered voices that together portrayed a man whose poetry, integrity, and commitment to truth continue to inspire. Through reflections, music, and poetry, the speakers illuminated Kianush not only as a literary figure but as an uncompromising intellectual whose impact transcends generations.
Kianush’s legacy is more than his verses; it is his commitment to independence and his belief in the power of words to both reflect and reshape reality. His poetry does not merely depict life’s joys and sorrows; it explores how they intertwine, shaping the identities of those who engage with them. Whether in the playful rhythms of his children’s poetry or his stirring insights on society, Kianush’s voice remains an indelible presence in Iranian literature; a testament to a legacy that will not fade. For those yet to encounter his work, Kianush’s poetry offers vivid imagery, emotional depth, and an honesty that speaks universally.
As attendees left the commemoration, there was a lingering sense of his presence; a testament to a life fully lived and a voice that continues to urge us all to remember, listen, and, like him, to sing our own songs.
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