Political Activism and Intellectual Life
Bijan Jazani was an Iranian political activist, a Marxist theorist, and a significant figure among modern Iranian Socialist intellectuals. Born in Tehran, Iran, he was a founder of the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas. His political involvement began at a young age, joining the Tudeh Youth Organization in 1948. Throughout his life, he was involved in various student and national organizations, including the Student Organization of Tehran and the third national movement. Jazani was also involved in the publication of the magazine Nedaye Khalgh and the publication Payam Daneshjoo.
His life was marked by significant political activity and periods of imprisonment. He was arrested multiple times by SAVAK due to his political affiliations and activities. In 1969, he was sentenced to life in prison for participating in an organization against the monarchy and carrying an illegal weapon. While in prison, he continued to develop his ideological views and wrote several books, including Armed struggle in Iran: The Road to Mobilization of the Masses. He was killed by execution in Tehran in 1975.
Artistic and Other Pursuits
Beyond his political and philosophical work, Jazani had involvement in the commercial art sector. After being unable to return to high school, he attended the art school of Kamal-ol-Molk. He co-founded the Persepolis Advertising Company, which specialized in creating paintings for local merchants to use in advertisements. This venture, along with the Nabl Film Institution, provided him with financial stability. During his time in prison, he was permitted to spend much of his time studying and painting in the prison library.
