In the heart of East Azerbaijan, nestled among the rolling hills of Shabestar, lies the historic village of Daryan — a community that, for centuries, relied on agriculture and traditional crafts for survival. Like many rural settlements in Iran, Daryan’s destiny seemed tied to its fields and orchards. Yet, the course of its future changed when a visionary son of the village, Hajj Mehdi Ebrahimi Daryan, also known by his affectionate title Qay Daryan, emerged as a symbol of progress, charity, and modern thinking.
Born in 1922 in Daryan, Hajj Mehdi’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to the betterment of his homeland. His dreams were never confined to personal wealth or business success — though he achieved both — but centered on building a better life for others, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and urban development.
The Birth of a Visionary
Raised in a family rooted in traditional values, Mehdi Ebrahimi Daryan understood the challenges of rural life from a young age. Like many in Daryan, his family initially engaged in farming. Yet, the early decades of the 20th century were marked by economic hardship, forcing many villagers, including his elder brother Hajj Ali Akbar Ebrahimi Daryan, to migrate in search of better livelihoods.