Tabriz: Azerbaijani poet, writer, translator, and literary researcher Habib Sahir, also known as Mir Habib Ghavami, made significant contributions to the evolution of contemporary Azerbaijani poetry. Not only did he introduce free verse to Azerbaijani Turkic literature, but he also played a crucial role in showcasing the contemporary history and fate of South Azerbaijani Turks through his works.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Sahir was born in 1903 in the Sirkhab neighborhood of Tabriz. His educational journey began in a mullah’s school and progressed through various institutions, including the ‘Madrase-ye Mobarake-ye Mohammadieh’ lyc©e. It was here that he shared classrooms with Mohammad-Hossein Shahriar. Despite their mutual interest in French literature and translation works, details about their friendship remain sparse.
Sahir’s literary development was significantly influenced by his French language and literature teacher, Mirza Taghi Khan Rafat Tabrizi, who introduced him to Western literature. This exposure led Sahir to adopt the pen name ‘Sahir’ from the Turkish poet Celal Sahir and collaborate with classmates on publications like ‘Anjoman-e Rafat’ and ‘Adab.’
After completing his education, Sahir embarked on a teaching career. In 1925, political changes in Iran compelled him to contemplate emigration. He spent two years in Trkiye teaching Persian at the ‘Iranilar’ school before pursuing further studies at Istanbul University. His academic endeavors included translating various literary works and defending a thesis on ‘The Natural Geography of Iranian Azerbaijan,’ reflecting his deep connection to his homeland.
Returning to Tabriz in 1933, Sahir continued teaching and contributed significantly to Azerbaijani literature. His works during and after the reign of Reza Shah, particularly during the Azerbaijan National Government period (1945-1946), included the composition of the ‘Mother Tongue’ textbook for schoolchildren.
Sahir’s political involvement and support for the Azerbaijan National Government were evident in his poems, which consistently reflected his love and dedication to his homeland. Despite persecution and exile to cities like Ardabil, Qazvin, and Sari, Sahir’s literary activities persisted, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Azerbaijani culture.
Sahir’s legacy as a pioneer of free verse in Azerbaijani Turkic and Persian poetry is marked by his profound understanding of Western literature and his influence from Anatolian Turkish. His works, including ‘Lirik sheirler,’ ‘Seher ishiqlanir,’ ‘Sonmeyen ishiqlar,’ ‘Daghiniq xatireler,’ and ‘Kovshan,’ remain significant contributions to Southern Azerbaijani poetry. His poems often encapsulate themes of exile, longing, and the enduring spirit of Azerbaijan, showcasing his deep emotional connection to his homeland and its history.