Ali Babachahi, the prominent Iranian poet, literary critic, and researcher, has passed away at the age of 83 after a period of illness. He died in a hospital in Karaj, marking the end of a literary career that spanned more than five decades and left a lasting imprint on contemporary Persian poetry.
Born in 1942 (1321) in Bandar Kangan, Bushehr Province, Babachahi emerged as one of the distinctive voices in Iran’s modern poetic landscape. Over the course of his life, he published nearly 30 volumes of poetry, criticism, and research, reflecting both his creative range and intellectual depth.
Among his notable poetry collections are “Aghl Azabam Midahad” (Reason Torments Me), “Nam-Nam Baranam” (I Am a Gentle Rain), “Housh va Havas-e Gol-e Shabbo Baraye Man Kafi-st” (The Scent and Awareness of the Night-Blooming Flower Is Enough for Me), and “Bia Goosh-Mahi Jam Konim” (Let’s Collect Seashells). His work evolved significantly over time, moving from social romanticism and Nimaic poetry toward a more experimental post-Nimaic style, reflecting formal innovation and philosophical reflection.
In 1967 (1346), Babachahi founded the literary magazine Takapu in Bushehr. The publication was shut down shortly afterward under pressure from SAVAK, the intelligence and security organization of the Pahlavi era. That same year, he published his first poetry collection, “Dar Bi-Tekyeh-Gahi” (In a State of Groundlessness). Before the 1979 Revolution, he released three additional poetry collections and collaborated with leading literary and cultural journals of the time, including Khosheh, Roshanfekr, and Roudaki. Following the Revolution, Babachahi continued his literary engagement through editing books, researching classical Persian texts, collaborating with publishers and the University Publishing Center, and serving for many years as the poetry page editor of the influential literary magazine Adineh. His editorial and critical work played a vital role in shaping discussions around contemporary poetry in Iran.
Beyond poetry, Babachahi contributed significantly to literary scholarship. His research works include “Shorveh-Saraei dar Jonub-e Iran” (Shorveh Recitation in Southern Iran), as well as critical studies on contemporary poets such as Manouchehr Sheibani, Fereydoun Tavalloli, and Esmail Shahroudi. He also authored two children’s poetry books, demonstrating his versatility across genres.
Two documentary films were made about his life and work. In the summer of 2011 (1390), a documentary titled “In Ghiyafeh Mashkook” (This Suspicious Face), directed by Vahid Alizadeh Razzazi, explored Babachahi’s poetic world and featured reflections from prominent literary figures on his artistic vision and personality.
Babachahi was also among the intellectuals reportedly targeted in the 1996 “Armenia bus” incident, part of the broader chain murders of Iranian cultural figures carried out by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. During the incident, a busdriver twice attempted to kill the intellectuals on board by jumping out of the bus, only for the passengers to take control and stop the bus. Along with the other passengers, he survived that episode, which later became emblematic of state-sponsored violence against writers and dissidents in the 1990s.
Ali Babachahi’s death marks the loss of a prolific and influential voice in Iranian literature—an author who continuously redefined his poetic language while remaining deeply engaged with both tradition and modernity. His legacy endures through his expansive body of work and his influence on generations of poets and readers. The National Iranian American Council extends its heartfelt condolences to Ali Babachahi’s family, friends, colleagues, and to the countless readers in Iran and across the diaspora who found meaning, beauty, and courage in his poetry. At a time when cultural voices have too often faced pressure and suppression, Babachahi’s lifelong commitment to literary expression stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and thought. NIAC mourns his passing alongside Iranians everywhere and honors the legacy he leaves behind for future generations.