Turaj Nigahban

Turaj Nigahban (1932-2008), a Persian poet, writer, and lyricist born in Ahwaz. He received his primary and secondary education in Khurramshahr and studied English Literature and Law at BA level at the University of Tehran. His acquaintance with Humayun Khurram, the violinist and composer of renown, introduced him to the world of composing lyrics and before long he became one of the main members of the Gulha Programs. He embarked upon his career in 1949 by composing the lyrics for a composition by Humayun Khurram and joined the Gulha in 1961. He composed lyrics for numerous Persian vocalists. His collection of poetry has not appeared, though he has written good patriotic poetry. His elegant lyrics, broadcast from Radio Iran, have been performed by by vocalists of renown. He died from pneumonia at 9:00 am (Los Angeles Time) on 20 August 2008. His lyrics composed for Persian melodies exceed 700 in number. His lyrics, Iran Iran, performed by the vocalist Muhammad Nuri, reflect his pure love for Iran. The following lines are by him:

My love is superior to my thought,

I’ve fashioned an idol out of you in my imagination.

I’ve fashioned your beautiful body

Such that I’ve never known before.

To depict you by the hand of imagination,

I’ve touched upon tales and legends.

I found what was beauteous,

When I impressed my heart by your beautiful depiction.

Farhang-i Sha’iran-i Zaban-i Parsi az Aghaz ta Imruz (1/ 132).