Jalal Al-e Ahmad
- Born:
- December 2, 1923, Tehran, Iran
- Died:
- September 9, 1969, Asalem, Iran
- Nationality:
- Iranian
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Novelist, Translator, Intellectual
Early Life and Education
- Born into a religious family; his father was a cleric.
- Received early education in a religious school.
- Abandoned religious studies and pursued a secular education.
- Studied Persian literature at Tehran University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became involved in political movements, including socialist and nationalist groups.
- Worked as a teacher.
- Established himself as a prominent voice in Iranian intellectual circles.
- His works often reflected social criticism and political commentary.
Notable Works
- Novels: The Family of the Sergeant, By the Pen, Stoning of Soraya M. (though attribution is debated), Lost in the Crowd
- Short Story Collections: Did Someone Call You, Sir?
- Essays: Gharbzadegi (Westoxification) - a significant critique of Western cultural influence in Iran.
- Travelogues: Accounts of his travels within Iran and abroad.
Legacy and Impact
Jalal Al-e Ahmad was a highly influential figure in 20th-century Iranian literature and intellectual thought. His critical essays and fiction challenged social norms and explored the complexities of Iranian identity in the face of modernization and Western influence. This Jalal Al-e Ahmad biography highlights the important contributions he made to Iranian culture.