Mehdi Akhavan Sales, also known by his pen name M. Omid, was one of the most influential Iranian poets of the 20th century. Born on March 10, 1927, in Mashhad, he became renowned for his ability to blend classical Persian poetry with modern styles, particularly the Nimai style, which was pioneered by Nima Yooshij. His works are characterized by their social and political themes, as well as their deep engagement with Iranian history and culture.
Early Life and Education
Akhavan Sales was born into a family with roots in both Yazd and Khorasan. His father, Ali, worked as a perfumer, and his mother, Maryam, was from Khorasan. The family name “Akhavan Sales” translates to “triple brothers,” a reference to his father and uncles, who had migrated to Mashhad from the village of Fahraj in Yazd Province.
During his childhood, Akhavan Sales showed an early interest in literature and music. Despite his father’s disapproval, he secretly learned to play the tar, a traditional Persian string instrument. He received his primary education in Mashhad before enrolling in the city’s Technical College (Honerestan) in 1941 to study welding, graduating in 1947.