Notable Figures
The South Khorasan region is a cradle of learning, culture and art in Iran, having nurtured countless luminaries and public servants over time. Throughout its social and cultural history, the land of Qohestan (South Khorasan) has been home to many distinguished men and women, each contributing meaningfully to knowledge and public good. Some of the most celebrated scholars from this region include:
- Allameh Abdolali Birjandi: Renowned mathematician, astronomer, and scholar
- Ibn Hosam Khusafi: Epic poet
- Nezari Ghohestani: Poet
- Bozorgmehr Qaini: Literary figure, politician and poet
- Abu al-Mafakhr Qaini: Scholar
Due to space constraints, this summary mentions only a few of these honored personalities, with hope that future generations may fill the void left by those no longer among us.
- Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ganji: Father of Iranian Geography
Born: 1912 in Birjand
Education: M.A. at University of Manchester (1938); Ph.D. in Geography, Clark University, Massachusetts (1952)
Achievements: Founded Iran’s Meteorological Organization; became Distinguished Professor at University of Tehran in 1976;
Founded the University of Birjand (1976); named World Meteorological Scientist of the Year (2001)
- Dr. Kazem Motamednejad: Father of Iranian Communications
Born: 1934 in Moud village near Birjand
Education: Studied in Birjand and Tehran; earned doctorates in law, political science and journalism from Sorbonne & Institute of Press, University of Paris
Career: Introduced formal journalism education via Kayhan Institute; served as professor and dean at University of Tehran (1964–1979), later full professor at Allameh Tabataba’i University; authored over 70 papers and 29 books; awarded Iran’s Exemplary Professor and the first class Medal of Science.
- Dr. Gholamhossein Shokouhi: Father of Iranian Education
Born: 1926 in Khusf
Education: Graduated from Birjand Teachers’ College (1944); earned doctorate in Educational Sciences from University of Geneva (1961)
Career: Began teaching in Tehran (1962); served as associate professor and later dean at University of Tehran’s Faculty of Education; appointed first Minister of Education in the interim government; authored/translated key educational works; honored at Iran’s “Enduring Figures” conference.
- Dr. Mehdi Bilali Mud: Father of Iranian Toxicology
Born: 1942 in Mood, near Birjand
Education: B.Sc. in Chemistry (1964) and M.D. (1970) from University of Tehran; Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Clinical Toxicology from Edinburgh (1981)
Career: Academic and clinical roles in Mashhad and Edinburgh; helped found Birjand Medical School; editor in chief of its scientific journal; authored 21 books, 90 papers, and 212 conference abstracts in toxicology and medical chemistry.
- Dr. Badiozzaman Forouzanfar: The Great Master of Persian Literature
Born: 1897 in Boshruyeh, South Khorasan
Education: Studied in Mashhad and Tehran; taught and worked at Dar al-Fonun and the Teachers College; earned a doctorate from the University of Tehran (1935); later became professor and head of the Faculty of Theology and Literature; chaired Ph.D. program in Persian Literatures; also served in the Senate and as director of the Royal Library; passed away in 1970.
- Dr. Mohammad Esmail Rezvani: Father of Modern Iranian History
Born: April 30, 1921 in Khorashad village
Education & Career: Earned B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.; taught at National University and University of Tehran; retired in 1979 and continued researching modern Iranian history; authored numerous books and papers on topics like the Constitutional Revolution, Qajar-era proclamations, history of the press; contributed to several publications; passed away April 25, 1996.
- Allameh Seyyed Gholamreza Saeedi– Distinguished Islamic Scholar
Born: 1896 in Nozad-e Mo’minabad, Birjand
Contributions: Became prominent in Iranian cultural circles after 1941; authored influential works later translated into Arabic and impacting Algerian liberation, with followers in Afghanistan and beyond