Ashraf Gilani

• Born — 1870 • Birthplace — Qazvin, Sublime State of Iran • Died — 1934 • Place of death — Tehran, Imperial State of Iran • Occupation — Poet, writer • Occupation — Founder and editor of newspaper Nasim-e-Shomal • Native Name — سید اشرفالدین حسینی گیلانی • Name — Seyed Ashrafedin Hosseini Gilani

Ashrafedin born in 1870 in Qazvin. He lost his father when he was only six months old. His paternal heritage was usurped. This brought him and his family into extreme poverty. Ashrafedin finished his elementary education in his home town then went to Najaf (Iraq) for religious education. He came back to Iran after five years and continued his studies there. It was in 1906 while living in Rasht (north of Iran) that he got to know the leaders of the constitutional revolution and started publishing the weekly newspaper, Nasim-e Shomal.

The revolution in 1906 was suppressed in its early stages. After the bombardment and dissolution of the parliament by Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar, Ashrafedin fled to Eshtehard, in the suburb of capital Tehran. A few months later when he returned to Rasht he became influenced by the leaders of the Social-Democrats of the Caucasus. This effect was later visible in the articles published in Nasim-e Shomal.

• Illustration — This photo was taken the day Ashrafedin was arrested • Illustration — The grave of Ashrafedin Ashrafedin was finally arrested for his anti government activities. The exact date of his arrest in unknown. As it was announced in his newspaper, Nasim-e Shomal, Ashrafedin died on 20 March 1934 in Tehran. He was buried in a cemetery near the city of Rey south of the capital Tehran. The Nasim-e Shomal did not last long after his death.