Abolghasem Faghiri was an ethical literary figure / Faghiri’s interest in folklore

The historian of the press, in an interview with the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Shiraz, said: Abolghasem Faghiri was a cultural and enduring figure in the field of folk culture, a storyteller, and a writer. Lately, he had developed an inclination towards poetry, composing good quatrains.

According to Roumi, he was born in Khordad 1316 (June 1937) and was 88 years old at the time of his passing. Faghiri became acquainted with a group of culture-loving youths at ‘Haj Ghavam’ High School, one of whom was Parviz Khaefi. This acquaintance, coupled with their cultural background, led to the publication of a journal named ‘Socrates.’ However, when he changed high schools, this student publication also ceased.

The poet and author continued: Faghiri was interested in teaching, following his family’s profession. People in Darvazeh Kazeroun called ‘Faghiriha Alley’ ‘Teachers’ Alley’ because his entire family were teachers. Later, his younger brother, Amin Faghiri, also took up teaching.

Roumi, who had a long friendship with Faghiri, stated: Abolghasem Faghiri taught in Mamasani for a long time. After becoming familiar with the local culture of Mamasani, he began collecting customs and songs, which was his first experience. He continued his research, ethnography, and studies of the specific culture of every place he taught or lived in until the end of his life. Although he wrote short stories, he did not hide his interest in folklore in them. He obtained his BA in Literature from Shiraz University and has 9 books on folk culture and 7 books in the field of short stories.

He noted: Faghiri established connections with several prominent figures in the realm of popular literature and, on the other hand, continuously wrote about folk culture in local newspapers. For years, he also hosted folklore programs and told stories with a sweet narrative style on Shiraz Radio, gaining significant fame. A group from cities across the province joined him, forming a coordinated collective, from which valuable books remain today. Faghiri was a member of the Sunday Friends Cultural and Artistic Association for about 35 years and was occasionally invited to other associations.

He concluded: Abolghasem Faghiri was polite and erudite, possessing good ethics, behavior, and speech.

According to IBNA; Abolghasem Faghiri, a researcher and writer from Shiraz, passed away on Tuesday, November 11th, at the age of 88.