Bahram Beyzaie (1938-2025)

The Iranian Studies Program at Stanford University announces the passing of a towering figure of Iranian literature and art, our esteemed colleague of the past fifteen years, Bahram Beyzaie (1938-2025). He passed away on his eighty-seventh birthday—the fifth of Dey, a date designated as Playwrights’ Day in Iran in honor of his birth (and the death of Akbar Radi), and he died five years after his heroic and luminous effort to complete the text of "Dash Akol According to Marjan."

He often said that his true home and calling were the realm of culture. He had a profound love for Iran and, despite the narrow-mindedness directed against him and his family, he never ceased to promote, protect, and preserve Iran’s cultural heritage. Our university will soon host a gathering in celebration of the life and works of this singular Iranian artist, scholar, and patriot.   

We wish to express our gratitude to Ms. Mojdeh Shamsaie, without whose wisdom and empathy, Professor Beyzaie’s life in these years would have been different.

In the words of the Shahnameh, wherein Beyzaie lived all his life, If death is justice, what then is injustice?

Bahram Beyzaie, Filmmaker Who Led Iran's New Wave, Dies at 87 (New York Times) 

Stanford Lecturer Bahram Beyzaie Has Died (Stanford Report)

The Towering Legacy of Bahram Beyzaie (The Guardian) 

Remembering Bahram Beyzaie (Iranica) 

In Memory of Bahram Beyzaie (Radio Farda, Persian)