Suleiman Hayim: The Father of Bilingual Lexicography in Iran
Suleiman Hayim (born 1266 SH / 1887 AD, Tehran – died 15 February 1969, Tehran) remains a towering figure in Iranian cultural and linguistic history. A lexicographer, translator, playwright, educator, and poet, Hayim’s lifelong dedication to linguistic bridges and cultural understanding earned him the title of the “father of bilingual lexicography in Iran.” At a time when Iran was navigating its path through modernization, Hayim’s work served as a vital link between Persian and the expanding world of Western knowledge, especially the English language. His contributions continue to resonate in academic and cultural circles to this day.
Early Life and Education
Suleiman Hayim was born into a religious Jewish family in Tehran in 1266 of the Solar Hijri calendar, corresponding to 1887 AD. His parents, Hayim Ishaq and Khanem, both hailed from Shiraz but had settled in Tehran where his father worked as a quilter. Although their means were modest, they emphasized education and cultural values, offering their children a grounding in both traditional Jewish learning and the evolving secular curriculum of modern Iran.
