Move to Capital and Early Career
After completing his education, Akhavan Sales moved to Tehran, where he worked as a teacher in the suburbs for several years. During the late 1940s, he took up a position at the National Library, assigned by the Ministry of Culture. This period was instrumental in shaping his poetic voice, as he was exposed to a rich literary and intellectual environment.
Family Life and Personal Struggles
In 1949, Akhavan Sales married his cousin Khadija, also known as Iran. The couple had six children: three daughters—Laleh, Luli, and Tensgol—and three sons—Toos, Zardasht, and Mazdak-Ali. Tragedy struck the family twice, first with the death of Tensgol in 1963, just four days after birth, and later in 1974 when Laleh drowned in the Karaj River at the age of 20.
Literary Contributions and Style
Akhavan Sales was deeply influenced by classical Persian poets such as Ferdowsi and Hafez. However, he also embraced the innovations of modern Persian poetry, particularly the Nimai style, which emphasized free verse and new thematic explorations. His poetry often carried an epic tone, reflecting the weight and grandeur of Khorasani poetry while incorporating modern sensibilities.
