از راست: نصرالله ناصح‌پور، شهریار، هوشنگ ابتهاج، محمدرضا شفیعی کدکنی، و اصغر فردی

The Last Gathering with Shahriar in Tabriz

One evening, Hushang Ebtehaj called his old friend, the great poet Shahriar. Their voices carried the warmth of years past, but Shahriar's words held a quiet urgency. He asked Ebtehaj to come to Tabriz and see him once more—before it was too late.

When Ebtehaj shared this with his circle, several close companions wished to join: Dr. Shafiei Kadkani, my father Maestro Nasrollah Nasehpour, and Mr. Narvani. Together they boarded a train bound for Tabriz, a journey filled with the hum of wheels and the anticipation of reunion.

For two days, June 5th and 6th of 1987, those who had traveled to Tabriz—along with a couple of close friends already there, including the poets Javad Azar and Asghar Fardi—remained by Shahriar’s side. Conversations lingered late into the night, weaving poetry, memory, and music into those precious hours. None could know it would be their final gathering.

A little more than a year later, on September 18th, 1988, the voice of Shahriar—beloved across Iran—fell silent. Yet the memory of those days in Tabriz endured, a testament to friendship, art, and the fleeting grace of time.

Those present in the photograph from that visit each carried their own remarkable legacy, shaping Iran's literary and artistic heritage in unique ways.

Mohammad-Hossein Behjat Tabrizi, widely known by his pen name "Shahriar" (1906–1988), was one of Iran's most beloved poets of the 20th century. Born in Tabriz, he wrote in both Persian and Azerbaijani, capturing the hearts of people across linguistic and cultural lines. His poetry ranged from classical ghazals to modern themes, blending deep lyricism with accessibility. Among his most celebrated works is the Azerbaijani poem "Heydar Babaya Salam", which became a cultural touchstone for millions. Revered as a national poet, Shahriar's voice bridged tradition and modernity, leaving behind a legacy cherished throughout Iran and beyond.

Hushang Ebtehaj (1928–2022), known by his pen name "Sayeh" ("Shadow"), was a towering figure in contemporary Persian poetry. Born in Rasht, he mastered both classical and modern forms, weaving themes of love, loss, and social justice into his verse. His ghazals, celebrated for their lyrical beauty, became some of the most beloved in modern Persian literature. Beyond his poetry, Ebtehaj played a significant role in preserving Iran's musical heritage, working closely with masters of traditional music and compiling invaluable collections of folk songs. His legacy endures as both poet and cultural guardian.

Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani (born 1939) is a poet, literary critic, and one of Iran's foremost scholars of classical Persian literature. Born in Nishapur, he studied under great masters and became a leading authority on Rumi, Hafez, and Persian poetic traditions. His own poetry reflects a fusion of classical depth and modern sensibility, often infused with a quiet moral and philosophical tone. As a professor at the University of Tehran, he has shaped generations of scholars and poets, earning admiration for both his scholarship and artistry.

Nasrollah Nasehpour (1940–2023) was a master vocalist and one of the great custodians of the Persian vocal tradition (avaz). Born in Ardabil, he trained under some of the finest teachers of Persian music and went on to become a leading figure of the "radif" (the traditional repertoire). As a performer and educator, he played an essential role in transmitting the subtleties of Persian classical singing to new generations. His artistry combined technical mastery with deep emotional expression, ensuring that a centuries-old tradition remained vibrant and alive.

Asghar Fardi (1963-2018) was a poet and devoted student of Shahriar. Deeply inspired by his teacher, he became known for his commitment to preserving Shahriar's memory and literary contributions. Active in Tabriz' cultural circles, Fardi not only pursued poetry himself but also worked tirelessly to collect, publish, and promote Shahriar's works and legacy. His efforts helped ensure that Shahriar's voice remained alive for future generations.

The first pictures shows Shahriar beside Mahmoud Farnam (great master of ghaval) and Gholamhossein Beigchehkhani (great master of tar).

The second picture shows Nasrollah Nasehpour, Shahriar, Sayeh, Mohammad-Reza Shafiei Kadkani, and Asghar Fardi in their last meetin