Early Life and Family History: Mahmoud Dowlatabadi was born in a small village called Dowlatabad in the Sabzevar province of Iran. His family was poor, and he grew up in a rural environment that profoundly influenced his writing. Dowlatabadi’s early years were marked by hardship, working on his family’s farm from a young age, which limited his formal education. However, he had a strong passion for storytelling and literature, fueled by the folk tales and local legends he heard growing up.
Career Beginnings: Dowlatabadi moved to Tehran in his youth, seeking better opportunities. He initially struggled with menial jobs but remained determined to pursue his passion for literature and theatre. He started his career as a playwright and actor, becoming involved in the Iranian theatre scene in the 1960s.
His first novel, “Journey,” was published in 1961, but it was “The Long Night” (1971) that marked his breakthrough. This novel received critical acclaim and established him as a significant voice in Iranian literature.
Hardships and Political Struggles: Dowlatabadi’s career was not without challenges. During the 1970s, his outspoken views and the themes of his work, which often critiqued societal issues and the plight of the poor, attracted the attention of the Shah’s regime. He was imprisoned for a period, during which he continued to write, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his craft.
Later Works and Achievements: Throughout his career, Dowlatabadi has written numerous novels, short stories, and plays. Some of his notable works include:
- “Thirst” (1989)
- “Missing Soluch” (1979)
- “The Colonel” (2009), which was initially banned in Iran due to its political content
His works have been translated into several languages, reaching an international audience and bringing attention to contemporary Iranian literature.
Real Name: Mahmoud Dowlatabadi
Date of Birth: August 1, 1940
Birth Place: Dowlatabad, Sabzevar, Iran
Residence: Tehran, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Islam
Profession: Writer
Partner: Information about his spouse is not widely publicized.
Father: Traditional farmer
Mother: Traditional homemaker
Horoscope: Leo
Age: 83 years old