Houshmand Aghili Mehr was born on August 2, 1937, in Isfahan, a city renowned for its architecture, cultural heritage, and musical traditions. Isfahan had long been a cradle of Persian music, producing celebrated singers such as Taj Esfahani, whose influence would later shape Aghili’s own career.
Aghili’s childhood was marked by both academic and artistic pursuits. He studied mathematics at Adab High School, one of Isfahan’s most reputable educational institutions, before turning his attention to literature. He eventually earned a degree in English literature, which broadened his intellectual horizon and exposed him to Western thought and aesthetics.
The family’s surname history is noteworthy. His father’s original surname was “Ali Gholi,” but upon moving to Isfahan, the Statistics Center requested a change for administrative purposes, leading to the adoption of “Aghili Mehr.” This detail, while minor, reflects a broader trend in 20th-century Iran when modernization efforts led to the reorganization of family names.
It was during his high school years that Aghili discovered his passion for music. He sang the works of great artists such as Delkash, Vigen, Banan, and Aminollah Rashidi, often performing at school and local gatherings. His father, recognizing his son’s natural gift, encouraged him to pursue music seriously.
