Parviz Shahriari: A Life Dedicated to Mathematics, Education, and Activism
Parviz Shahriari (December 2, 1926 – May 12, 2012) was a mathematician, translator, educator, writer, journalist, and political activist whose legacy remains a cornerstone in the advancement of modern education in Iran. Over the course of his life, Shahriari became one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Iranian history, contributing profoundly to the fields of mathematics, science, culture, and politics. His intellectual endeavors resulted in more than 400 books on subjects ranging from mathematics and philosophy to literature and history, alongside over 1,000 published articles. Shahriari’s life was marked by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to knowledge and justice, making him an enduring figure in Iranian history.
Early Life and Struggles
Parviz Shahriari was born into a Zoroastrian family in 1926 in the impoverished Dolatkhaneh neighborhood of Kerman, Iran. His father was a peasant who worked on the lands of a feudal lord, but after his father’s untimely death, the burden of supporting the family fell on his mother, Golestan Shahriari. Life was harsh for the Shahriari family, and young Parviz had to juggle schooling with various labor-intensive jobs, including working as a bricklayer, well-digger, potter, and railroad worker. Despite these challenges, Shahriari showed an exceptional aptitude for learning from an early age.
He completed his primary education at Kaviani Elementary School and his secondary studies at Iranshahr High School in Kerman. Parviz’s academic excellence earned him admission to Kerman Elementary School, where he trained as a teacher. After graduating in 1944, Shahriari moved to Tehran to further his education, marking the beginning of his journey into academia and activism.
