Nima Yushij Day

Culture of origin: Iranian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Iran · Mazandarani

Nima Yushij, born Ali Esfandiari and raised in the village of Yush in Mazandaran, popularised she'r-e now, the 'new poetry' later called Nimaic after him, and is considered the father of modern Persian poetry. His long poem The Tale of the Pale-Colored One (1921) drew sharp criticism from traditionalist poets such as Malek o-Sho'ara Bahar. He died in Shemiran in 1960 and, as he wished, was buried in Yush.