His Early Life In Iran
Born on 1st September 1934 in Mashhad, Iran, Mahmud Kianush demonstrated an early passion for literature and creativity. While his official documents record 1st September as his date of birth, some sources list it as 3rd September. The exact date remains uncertain, as his mother, recalling the natural signs of the season at the time, estimated his birth to have occurred in early September.
His family relocated to Tehran when he was twelve, and by the age of 16, he had already earned recognition for his short stories, winning a national prize for his work published in the “National Students Organisation Weekly.”
Kianush began his teaching career at the age of 19, simultaneously attending Tehran University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literature.
During his early years in academia, Kianush delved into poetry, experimenting with various forms. His initial exploration led him to modern poems, incorporating a style akin to “free verse.” However, unsatisfied with this freedom, he returned to metrical poetry, developing new rhythms based on classical forms. His literary contributions garnered fame, leading him to become the editor of the esteemed literary monthly, “Sokhan” (Word). After four years, he left the editorial role to focus entirely on his writing.
His commitment to cultural development became evident when the Ministry of Education invited him to assess the state of children’s poetry. Unhappy with the prevailing simplistic approach, Kianush undertook the responsibility of writing substantial poetry for children. Over eight years, he contributed to various magazines, shaping principles that eventually became a manual for aspiring children’s poets. In addition to his significant impact in the realm of children’s poetry, Kianush went on to produce over one hundred and twenty books encompassing poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and literary criticism.
A Brief Journey Through His Time in the UK
In 1976, Kianush, who was serving as an advisor to the Secretary of State for Administration and Employment Affairs in Iran, requested early retirement. Following his decision, he moved to London with his wife and two children.
Over the next thirty-four years, he worked with the Persian Section of the BBC World Service, producing literary, cultural, and bilingual English teaching programs.
Kianush’s literary output during his time in the UK was prolific. Despite facing challenges with censorship in Iran, he published fourteen books of poems, five collections of short stories, seven novels, two plays, and eight books of literary criticism. His contributions extended to translations of works by notable authors such as John Steinbeck, D. H. Lawrence, Samuel Beckett, and others.
Kianush edited and translated the anthology “Modern Persian Poetry“, published by The Rockingham Press in 1996. He also ventured into English poetry, with his first book, “Of Birds and Men: Poems from a Persian Divan,” published in 2004.
His English translation of one of his books, “Through the Window of Taj Mahal“, was published in 2007.
In 2010 a bilingual (Persian – English) selection of his poems, entitled “Thorns and Pearls” (Khaar-o Morvaarid = خار و مروارید) was published in Tehran by Ghatreh Publications.
In the years that followed, Kianush published four more eloquent and inspiring poetry collections in English:
“The Amber Shell of Self” in 2011, Rockingham Press.
“The Songs of Man” in 2012, Rockingham Press
“Poems of the Living Present” in 2014, Rockingham Press
His final book of English poems, “The Journey and other poems” was published in 2020.
Kianush’s “Akkaashi“:
A Fusion of Nature and Digital Art
Inspired by a lifelong admiration for nature, Kianush also developed a passion for photography.
In his late seventies, this passion blossomed into the creation of a unique art form he named Akkaashi (Photo Painting), as he digitally transformed his nature photographs into mesmerising artworks.
Chronicles of a Broadcaster & Literary Critic
at the BBC World Service
Kianush’s tenure at the BBC, saw him make significant contributions as a producer, broadcaster, and literary critic.
Working within the Persian Section, he produced diverse programs, including literary, cultural, and bilingual English teaching broadcasts.
Under the pseudonyms Mosleheddin Zoshki and Alizadeh Toosi, he crafted outstanding and memorable programs, as well as satirical content in the form of five hundred and twenty weekly broadcasts entitled
“A Letter from London.“
Throughout his time at the BBC, Kianush maintained a commitment to literature, producing, and broadcasting programs that showcased his expertise in both Persian and English poetry, literary criticism, and cultural analysis. His contributions enriched the cultural landscape and made a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
Eternal Legacy of a Literary Luminary & Beloved Mentor
Tragically, Kianush suffered from a rare form of blood cancer during his final years, which weakened his system considerably and he passed away from Covid-19 on 12th January 2021.
The incomparable, Mahmud Kianush was not only a cherished husband to the author and translator Pari Mansouri and a devoted father to Kaveh and Katayoon, he was also a friend, confidant and mentor to so many who came to know him. Through the wealth of his literary works, his words and wisdom will continue to touch hearts and minds of generations to come.
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