Parviz Khatibi Information

Parviz Khatibi was a trailblazing artist, playwright, journalist, cultural critic, one of Iran’s first film directors, and the founder of political satire in Iran began his career at the young age of thirteen. His early satirical poems in Tawfiq newspaper marked the beginning of a prolific career that would cement his reputation as one of the most influential humorists of his time. Khatibi’s razor-sharp wit and humor shone brightest in his humorous ballads and songs, which were performed in the most prestigious theaters of the time and played on Radio Tehran by renowned performers such as Majid Mohseni, Hamid Ghanbari, Jamshid Shibani, and Ezzatollah Entezami. In 1328, Khatibi launched the first issue of the satirical-political weekly “Haji Baba,” which quickly became a must-read for those seeking to understand Iran’s political climate. However, after the August 28 coup, Khatibi was imprisoned for six months and banned from working on the radio for eight years. Khatibi continued his work in Iran until he immigrated to America in 1355, hoping to find a freer press environment. However, upon his return to Iran after the revolution, Khatibi’s Haji Baba newspaper was banned and closed due to his extremism in criticizing the government. Undeterred, Khatibi continued his fight for freedom and democracy by publishing the newspaper “Haji Baba” from America and producing four political strips – Fakahi – or Fate Fakahi – The political and musical “revolution gone astray,” with the cooperation of Zeenat Khatibi and other members of the “Pika” group in New York.

Today, the Parviz Khatibi Cultural Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing the works of this committed and patriotic artist whose legacy inspires hope for a better future in Iran.