Moin-Amirjahed house museum: fusion of literature, music, calligraphy in eastern Tehran
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
The house museum of famous lexicographer Mohammad Moin and Mohammad Ali Amirjahed stands as a tribute to two departed Iranian luminaries in the fields of music and Persian literature. Today, this location is recognized as a specialized center for music, literature, and calligraphy.
If you share a keen interest in both poetry and music, and desire an intimate encounter with the living spaces of these two giants in their respective fields, amidst the architectural beauty of an Iranian home with a large pond, courtyard, and brick walls, then a visit to this house museum in in eastern Tehran is highly recommended.
Mohammad Moin
Born in 1918 in the Zarjoob neighborhood of Rasht, Mohammad Moin (circa 1918-1971) remains a prominent figure known for producing one of the most significant Persian dictionaries ‘Moin Encyclopaedic Dictionary’. He was the first Iranian doctorate graduate from the University of Tehran and received accolades in literature and arts from France. His contributions were acknowledged with the Literary and Decorative Arts Academy Award in France.
Mohammad Ali Amirjahed
Moin ‘s son-in-law, Mohammad Ali Amirjahed (1896-1977), was a distinguished Iranian poet and composer. His compositions covered themes of homeland, society, love, politics, and philosophy. The Amirjahed Divan, a collection of his political memoirs, songs, compositions, and poetry, sheds light on Iranian music. In 1957, he established the National Music Conservatory, nurturing prominent figures in Iranian music.
These two great scholars, due to their close familial ties, were once neighbors sharing adjoining walls. In 2004, when the municipality acquired both homes from the heirs of Moin and Amirjahed, the residences were merged to create the current house museum.
Home reflecting Pahlavi era architecture
Maryam Massah Bidgoli, the chairwoman of the house museum, explained its history to Iran Daily reporter, stating that the house is situated in the 400 Dastgah neighborhood, which was once predominantly barren when Professor Mohammad Ali Amirjahed built his home over 90 years ago. With an architectural background, Amirjahed himself drew the house plan, embodying the distinct features of Pahlavi era architecture. Almost two decades later, Moin, as his son-in-law, constructed another house adjacent to it, sharing a connecting courtyard. However, when the municipality took ownership approximately 20 years ago, the dividing wall between the two courtyards was removed, giving the place its current form.
Originally serving as a residence for eulogists, the house later transformed into the cultural and artistic center called “Ghadir” before finally assuming its present identity as the House Museum of Moin and Mohammad Ali Amirjahed. The families contributed some of their personal belongings, including chairs, desks, furniture, and documents, to the museum during the handover.
Amirjahed Music Festival
Regarding the museum’s musical activities, Bidgoli highlighted the initiation of the national Amirjahed Music Festival six years ago in collaboration with the Iran Music Association. The festival features solo, duet, and group performances in various musical genres, aiming to preserve and elevate serious music based on national Iranian thought, culture, and art. The fifth edition, held recently, attracted over two thousand participants from across the country.
She added, “The Amirjahed Music Festival is designed to discover and support brilliant talents and promote serious music. The event includes competitions in solo, duet, and group performances, held annually at the Azadi Tower hall.”
Moin National
Literary Festival
In the literary field, the museum, in collaboration with the Dehkhoda Dictionary Institute, annually organizes the Dr. Mohammad Moin National Literary Festival. Participants are invited to submit their works in the categories of poetry, short stories, and writing. The submitted works undergo a judging process, and selected pieces receive awards.
Bidgoli also emphasized the literary courses and workshops held at the museum, covering topics such as writing classes, storytelling, and more. These courses include sessions on works such as Rumi’s ‘Mathnawi,’ Attar’s ‘Conference of the Birds,’ and Sa’adi’s ‘Bustan’ and ‘Golestan.’
Furthermore, the museum hosts the nationwide Imam Ali Calligraphy Festival, organized in collaboration with the Iranian Calligraphers Association. Participants are encouraged to create calligraphy pieces in tribute to Imam Ali (PBUH), and selected works are displayed in an exhibition within the museum.
Honoring veteran
artists’ birthdays
The museum also serves as the headquarters for commemorating pioneer artists. Seasonal ceremonies celebrate the birthdays of artists in the fields of music, literature, and calligraphy.
The festivities terminate in the installation of commemorative tiles bearing the names of these honored individuals on the museum’s walls.