Bijan Samandar, the Shirazi Lyricist and Creator of 'Gol Sangam', Passed Away

Bijan Samandar, a renowned Shirazi lyricist, passed away after enduring a debilitating illness for 10 years, part of which he spent in a coma. Mr. Samandar, who was 81 at the time of his death, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2008 and succumbed to the illness on Tuesday, January 7. He was raised in a family that was not unfamiliar with music, with each member having some skill in playing instruments, which is why he was familiar with playing the setar, tar, flute, and santur. Consequently, he played instruments on a local Shiraz radio program that aired early on Friday mornings. This Shirazi artist completed his primary to bachelor's education in Shiraz and earned his doctorate in literature abroad. Due to his great passion for art, he also obtained a doctorate in architecture in Washington, D.C. What places Bijan Samandar among creative creators is his incorporation of the Shirazi accent and dialect into his poetry, with notable works including 'Shahr-e Sher', 'Sher-e Shiraz', 'Shiraz az Gol Behtor', and 'Tarank'. However, what distinguishes Bijan Samandar among the general audience of music is the songs he left behind for famous Iranian music artists. These songs are undoubtedly among the most popular works of their respective singers. These songs reflect Bijan Samandar's clear perspective and mastery of folklore literature intertwined with the contemporary language of society. Among these are the songs 'Gol Sangam' and 'Asal Cheshm' (Hayedeh), 'Pariya' (Shahram Shabpareh), 'Madad Rangy', 'Koh-e Yakh', and 'Jabe Jewaher' (Ebi), as well as many renowned works from the 60s and 70s of Iranian pop music in Los Angeles, which contributed to the flourishing of the pop music market outside of Iran.