Fatemeh Bahraini, widely recognized by her pen name Roza Montazemi, is a monumental figure in the history of Iranian culinary arts. Born on August 13, 1301 (equivalent to August 13, 1922, in the Gregorian calendar) in Shahsawar city, she was a pioneer in popularizing cooking as a structured and respected discipline in Homeland. Throughout her life, Roza Montazemi not only taught the art of cooking but also authored one of the most influential cookbooks in the country, “Art of Cooking,” which continues to shape Iranian kitchens even years after her passing on November 1, 2008.
Early Life and Education
Roza Montazemi, born Fatemeh Bahraini, displayed exceptional academic talents from a young age. Her early education took place in Shahsawar, where she achieved remarkable academic success, being the top student in her final exams among both girls’ and boys’ schools. This early display of intellectual prowess laid the foundation for her later achievements in a society where women’s roles were often confined to the domestic sphere.