Renowned Literary Critic Siros Parham Passes Away at 97

Date: 16 September 2025 - 21:50

News ID: ۱۴۳۵۹۹

TEHRAN -- Siros Parham, one of Iran’s foremost literary critics and editors, passed away Monday at the age of 97.
Renowned for introducing Western methods of literary criticism to Iranian letters, Parham was a transformative figure who helped modernize the country’s critical discourse and editorial standards.
Born in 1928, Parham was among the earliest Iranian intellectuals to engage seriously with Western literary theory. His seminal work, Realism and Anti-Realism, alongside Literary Schools by Reza Seyyed Husseini, stood as foundational texts for generations of Iranian writers and scholars seeking to navigate and expand their literary horizons beyond traditional paradigms.
For many, these works became indispensable reference points in the evolving conversation around literature and aesthetics in Iran.
Beyond his critical writings, Parham’s influence extended deeply into the world of publishing. He was among the first professional editors in the country and served as a key editor at Franklin Publications, a respected institution in Iranian intellectual circles.
His meticulous approach to editing helped elevate the quality of Iranian books and fostered a culture of rigor and care in publishing that had long been absent.
In 2016, recognizing the need to professionalize and dignify the editorial craft, Parham joined forces with Mehdi Ghanavati and Mahnaz Maghdesi to establish the Iranian Editors’ Guild. This organization aimed to safeguard the standards and reputation of editors, marking a significant step in formalizing a profession essential to the country’s literary ecosystem.
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance expressed its condolences, with Minister Abbas Salehi noting that Parham “opened a new path for writers and researchers,” highlighting the critic’s role in shaping a modern, methodical approach to literary study and publishing.
Parham’s legacy is one of bridging worlds: introducing the critical frameworks of the West into the rich soil of Persian letters and nurturing a new generation of scholars and editors who would carry that torch forward.
As per his wishes, Parham’s final resting place will be in the courtyard of Imamzadeh Taher in Karaj, a serene space befitting a life dedicated to the cultivation of thought and culture.