Moshfegh Kashani Information

Abbas Keymanesh, known by his pen name Moshfeq Kashani, was an Iranian poet born on August 14, 1925, in Kashan, Iran, and passed away on January 18, 2015. A street in Tehran, Se Rah Azari, has been named after him for his contributions to Persian poetry. He was a close friend of Sohrab Sepehri in his youth and is credited with introducing Sepehri to poetry and composition.

Life and Career
Moshfeq Kashani pursued his education up to a Master’s degree at the University of Tehran and dedicated 37 years of his life to teaching in the Ministry of Education. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Poets’ Association.

Since his early years, he actively participated in literary circles and poetry gatherings alongside renowned poets such as Mehrdad Avesta, Safa Lahooti, Mahmoud Shahrokhi, and Yavar Hamadani. Additionally, he collaborated with the Poetry Council of the Music Office of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for 20 years and held the position of Head of the Poetry Council of the Music Office until his passing.

Literary Works
Moshfeq Kashani had a profound passion for ghazals, inspired by the Iraqi school of poetry. However, he also composed works in qasida, mathnawi, chaharpareh, and lyrical songs. His literary contributions include:

Salāye Gham (A poetic adaptation of the 12-band elegy of Mohtasham Kashani)
Khatereh-ha (Memories) – 1945
Soroud-e Zendegi (Song of Life) – 1963
Sharab-e Aftab (Sunlight Wine) – 1963
Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt)
Aineh-ye Khial (Mirror of Imagination) – 1993
Bahār-e Sorkh-e Soroud (The Crimson Spring Song) – 1994
Haft Band-e Eltihab (Seven Bands of Turmoil) – 1996
Naqshbandān-e Ghazal (The Designers of Ghazal) – 1986
Anwār-e 15 Khordād (Lights of June 5th) – 1986
Khalvat-e Ons (The Seclusion of Intimacy) – 1989
Critical Edition of “Diwan of Haji Soleiman Sabahi Bidgoli”, in collaboration with Parto Beyzaei – 1961
Majmoueh She’r Jang (Poetry Collection of War)
Tazkereh-ye Sho’aran-e Mo’aser (Anthology of Contemporary Poets)
Raz-e Mastan (Mystic’s Secret)
Seirang – 2003
Friendships and Influence
Moshfeq Kashani maintained strong bonds with contemporary poets and frequently participated in poetry readings at Khaneh-ye Shaeran (House of Poets), where he served as its president for several years.

He reminisced about his friendship with Sohrab Sepehri, saying:
“Sohrab was a unique person—extremely sensitive and compassionate. He would spend hours talking about the hardships of villagers and their struggles. He always carried a few books, including Hafez’s divan, and at night, he would sit in rural homes and recite Hafez’s poetry for them.”

His memories of Mehdi Akhavan Sales included an anecdote from a rainy night when he drove Akhavan home.
“He took me into his study, which was filled with books stacked on top of each other. After speaking with his family, he brought out his infant child, wrapped in a swaddle, and started singing traditional Khorasani songs while pacing the room, his voice carrying deep emotion.”

Contributions to Persian Poetry and Cultural Organizations
Throughout his life, Moshfeq Kashani held numerous official positions related to poetry, including:

Member of the Supreme Council of Poetry
Advisor at the Music Center of Iran’s National Radio and Television
Head of the Poetry Council at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
Chairman of the House of Poets
Member of the Poetry Council at the Headquarters for Promoting Prayers
Recognitions and Honors
Moshfeq Kashani received numerous accolades and tributes for his contributions to Persian poetry. A grand ceremony was held in his honor at Vahdat Hall, attended by prominent literary figures and organized by the Ministry of Culture and various literary societies.

In 2013, during a special tribute conference attended by Iran’s Supreme Leader, he was formally recognized for his poetic achievements. Ayatollah Khamenei, speaking about Moshfeq, remarked:
“Moshfeq is one of the distinguished poets of our time. His poetry is well-crafted, rich in meaning, and elegantly structured. Beyond his literary skill, he has always used poetry to serve religious and revolutionary ideals. Additionally, his character is one of humility and kindness, which we have observed in over three decades of acquaintance.”

Passing and Legacy
Moshfeq Kashani passed away due to heart failure while delivering a speech and reciting poetry at the birthday celebration of his fellow poet, Sohail Mahmoudi, at the House of Poets. His final poem, recited that night, was:

“Rise from your seat, for it is not time to sleep, my friend,
Sit down, for this is the night of poetry and wine, my friend.
In Sohail’s gathering, Venus plays the harp,
It is the birthday of the radiant sun, my friend.”

His funeral was held on January 20, 2015, at Vahdat Hall, and he was laid to rest in the Artists’ Section of Behesht Zahra Cemetery.