The Alireza Ahmadian Lecture in Iranian and Persianate Studies presents: What Did the People of Iran Laugh About for 50 Years?: The Social, Cultural, and Political Role of Towfigh Satirical Paper on October 19, 2024.
Abstract
In this talk, Dr. Abbas Towfigh will explore the social, cultural, and political significance of Towfigh Satirical Paper, which was published in Iran for 50 years. He will discuss the newspaper’s impact on Iranian society during its run and its role in shaping public discourse. Additionally, Dr. Towfigh will share examples of the humor and satire featured in Towfigh, offering insight into what made it such an influential publication in modern Iranian history.
Please note that the talk will be delivered in Persian, with much of the English translation being displayed simultaneously on-screen.
About Towfigh
“Since truth is bitter, let me sweeten it with some storytelling, but you know where this is going—I’m about to reveal some uncomfortable truths.”
The satirical newspaper Towfigh was first published on May 20, 1923. Its founder was Hossein Towfigh. After his death, Mohammad Ali Towfigh took over as the managing director in 1930. In the wake of the 1953 coup, Mohammad Ali Towfigh was imprisoned, the newspaper faced challenges and was exiled to Khark Island. In 1954, the management of Towfigh was passed to the Towfigh brothers, marking the start of the third and final period of the newspaper (1951-1978).
The third era of Towfigh was its golden age, as it became the only independent and critical newspaper in Iran, rapidly gaining immense popularity. It sharply criticized the political and economic conditions in the country, making it a favourite among prominent figures, intellectuals, and university professors. Many praised Towfigh for its boldness, something no other publication in Iran had achieved.
Towfigh continued to be published until mid-1976. By the time of its closure, it was not only the largest satirical newspaper in Iran but also the oldest publication in the history of Iranian journalism.
Note: It is important to acknowledge that Towfigh has been rightly criticized by some scholars for how it addressed issues of race and ethnicity, especially through its depiction of its titular character as well as in certain instances of its humor and satire. As the Department of Asian Studies, by reproducing images or content from Towfigh, we do not aim to perpetuate these problematic aspects. Instead, we treat the periodical as a historical document, open to critical debate and reflection. Our goal is to engage with its historical significance while making it clear that we do not endorse or support any of the offensive or discriminatory depictions it contained.
For an instance of the rightful criticism of these problematic aspects, see Bita Baghoolizadeh’s The Color Black: Enslavement and Erasure in Iran (Duke University Press, 2024).
Speaker
Abbas Towfigh earned his Ph.D. from Sorbonne University, Paris. He began his career as a satirist and editorial cartoonist for Towfigh magazine, of which he was an editor and served as Editor-in-Chief from 1957 to 1972. He has also served as a Professor of Sociology, Social Psychology, and Press Sociology at several universities in Iran. He has also published in, and served as the president of, Humor in Los Angeles.
About the Alireza Ahmadian Lectures in Iranian and Persianate Studies: Alireza Ahmadian (1981 – 2019) was an enthusiastic researcher, a consummate socio-political analyst, and an opinion leader on foreign policy who nurtured the virtues of diplomatic dialogue and liberal democracy. Alireza was a proud and devoted UBC alumnus, supporter of UBC’s Department of Asian Studies, and beloved member of Canadian-Iranian Community. The department renamed this lecture series in his honour in 2019. Alireza’s friends in the community have provided funding to support this series, and this generous gift will see these important academic and community engagement events supported through to the end of the 2025/2026 academic year. Read More …
Should you have any questions, please contact the Department of Asian Studies at Asian.Studies@ubc.ca.
