Aref was born in Qakvin, where he studied Persian language and grammar, as well as music.
His father, Molla Hadi, forced him to join Parmenbari in order to learn Rauja Hutanni (martyrdom recitation) and join the ranks of the Molla, much to his disgust.
Around 1316-1898, he went to Tehran, where he was introduced to the capital’s influential figures, including Mirza Ali Asghar Khan Amin al-Soltan and Atabak-e-Azam, thanks to the “beauty of his voice.” It was done. He then came to the attention of Moafar al-Din Shah and was added to his royal retinue. He found this unpleasant and was eventually able to obtain release.
Aleph “dedicated his art to the people” and used poetry as an effective means of expressing political ideas and stirring emotions.
A sincere supporter of constitutionalism, he left Iran with other radicals between 1334 and 1916 for Turkey, staying for a while in Istanbul.
His most important and memorable works are the tashnifat (song lyrics), which he composed in response to the political events of the time and sung to large, enthusiastic audiences.
Despite his fame, he owes his fame primarily to the mood of the time and the revolutionary content of his poems. His autobiography and some letters have been preserved.
His melodies always contained a central theme of social and political concepts. He played a great role in composing songs, guiding society and making people understand their social rights. This is the main reason why Qazwini’s songs remain relevant, alive and performed by musicians even after 70 years.
“The melodies that Aref composed were heard everywhere. He was the only person who himself composed poems and songs, and also performed melodies,” the late musician Ruholla Khalek said about Aref Qazwini.
Alev Qazviny died on January 21, 1933 in Hamedan. His poems and songs are collected on his chaise lounge.
He was buried in the courtyard of the Ebn Sina Mausoleum.
Edited by Marji Rahmani