Early Years and Family History: Sadegh Hedayat was born into an aristocratic family in Tehran, Persia, in 1903. His family was well-known, with connections to the Qajar dynasty. His father, Hedayat Qoli Khan-e Hedayat, was an educated man and held various governmental positions, which influenced Sadegh’s early exposure to literature and culture. His mother, Tuba Hedayat, also came from an educated background.
Education and Hardships: Hedayat’s education began in Tehran, but he was soon sent to Belgium to continue his studies. He later moved to France, where he enrolled in various courses but struggled to find his true calling. His years in Europe were marked by a sense of alienation and existential crisis, which greatly influenced his later writings. During this period, he developed a keen interest in Western literature and philosophy, particularly in the works of Kafka, Sartre, and Camus.
Career Beginnings: Hedayat’s literary career began with the publication of short stories and articles in Iranian magazines. His first major work, “Buried Alive,” was published in 1930, reflecting his existential despair and feelings of alienation. Despite facing initial criticism and lack of commercial success, Hedayat continued to write, driven by his passion for literature.
Major Works and Achievements: Hedayat’s most famous work, “The Blind Owl” (Boof-e koor), was published in 1937. This novella, written in Persian, became a seminal piece of modern Iranian literature, known for its deep psychological insights and dark, surreal narrative. It wasn’t widely recognized during his lifetime but later gained significant acclaim both in Iran and internationally.
Other notable works include:
- “Three Drops of Blood” (1932)
- “Mr. Bow Wow” (1944)
- “The Stray Dog” (1942)
Hedayat also made significant contributions as a translator, bringing works of Kafka, Chekhov, and Sartre into Persian literature.
Ups and Downs: Hedayat’s life was marked by personal and professional struggles. Despite his aristocratic background, he often felt disconnected from the societal norms and expectations of his time. His works were frequently criticized for their pessimism and dark themes. His feelings of alienation, both in Iran and abroad, led to periods of deep depression.
Real Name: Sadegh Hedayat
Date of Birth: February 17, 1903
Birth Place: Tehran, Persia (now Iran)
Residence: Tehran, Paris, Bombay (various times in his life)
Profession: Writer, Translator
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Raised in a Muslim family, but later became an atheist
Partner: None publicly known
Father: Hedayat Qoli Khan-e Hedayat
Mother: Tuba Hedayat
Horoscope: Aquarius
Age: Passed away at 48 years old
Body Type: Average
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black