Professor Lotfollah Honarfar (1986-1919)
The song “Javani” performed by Hossein Ghavami (Fakheteh) is recorded on a black cassette tape labeled RAKS60, a gift from Lotfollah Honarfar (1986-1919). I had first heard Honarfar’s name from our art history teacher at the art school, and I was fortunate enough to take two semesters of art history with him at the university around 1992-1993. He was of advanced age, with a remarkable memory. After class, I briefly became his amirzabanevis (scribe). I would visit his home on Mojmar Street for a few hours in the evenings. He would speak and provide sources, which I would then write down. He often remarked, “Your handwriting does not need typing.” They were preparing the book “The Treasure of Historical Works of Isfahan” for reprinting for the municipality of Isfahan, but there were issues with terminology, particularly regarding the refusal to remove the name of the Shah from the Shah Mosque.
His home was on Mojmar Street. Upon entering Professor Honarfar’s house and climbing a few steps, I arrived at a spacious area measuring approximately six by six meters. In the middle of this space was a large table surrounded by two wooden chairs. We would converse while I took notes. Sometimes he would mention that sugar is good for the brain and suggested I eat chocolate. I was obedient, like a child before his father. When they grew tired, they would ask their wife to bring some refreshments. After some playful banter, Professor Honarfar would appear with a tray carrying a glass of syrup. To the right side, which was the northern part of the house, a few steps led to the living room. The room was filled with framed black-and-white photographs, a few of which they introduced to me. In one photograph, surrounded by their students, were girls from long ago. It seemed they understood what I wanted to ask, and they explained, “I married late. I was still in school when my father passed away, and I had to take care of all my siblings. Therefore, I worked while studying. Once all of them settled into their own homes, I decided to get married.”
The first gift I received from him was a small book titled “An Introduction to the Historical City of Isfahan,” which he inscribed to me. A few weeks later, he gifted me the cassette of Ghavami. “This Tasnim reflects my own experiences,” he stated, presenting it with warmth. It was a truly invaluable gift, a testament to the profound kindness with which he shared a lifetime of wisdom. The Tasnim of youth, composed in the Dastgah of Afshari, features the voice of Hossein Ghavami (Fakhteh), with lyrics by Ismail Nobar Safa and music by Hossein Yahaghi. This piece dates back to the years 1948-1949. The lyrics express:
“O youth, you slipped from my grasp,
I sit here, steeped in sorrow;
Where are you, youth? Why did you depart?
For I sought to endure with the pangs of separation and the wounds of parting.”
Writing continued for nearly two months. After that, for reasons unknown to me, I could no longer be in his presence, and our meetings ceased. It seemed the publication of the book had encountered difficulties.
During that period, the municipality had placed several half-ton cement planters on the bridges. Honarfar was furious, exclaiming, “They are destroying the bridges!” He owned a Peykan car. Every morning, one of the students would pick him up, and they would drive around, viewing the bridges and Naqsh-e Jahan Square before returning home. While we were in class, he would recount memories, sharing how he had been offered professorships in other countries but had never agreed to leave Isfahan. He encouraged us, saying, “You should go abroad; it will improve your language and your dance.” From 1952 to 1960, he served as the director of the Isfahan Archaeological Department. He was also a member of the International Society of Iranian Studies, the National Heritage Society, and the Council for the Protection of Historical Monuments of Isfahan.
Dr. Honarfar’s significant work is the book “The Treasure of Historical Works of Isfahan,” which was his doctoral thesis. In it, he provides detailed descriptions of the historical works of the city and its surroundings and is one of the most comprehensive books written about the historical buildings of Isfahan. Several times, I planned to visit Honarfar, but I kept postponing it until it was too late. Professor Honarfar passed away on December 9, 2006, and was buried in the section of distinguished individuals at the Reza Garden in Isfahan.