The Tale of Siahkal

The story-like account of the events of Siahkal in 1971, written by Naser Vahdati, was published by Negah Publishing. This book, dedicated to the justice-seeking, free-spirited, and intelligent people of Gilan, is a memoir-style novel that was previously released as two books, ‘Khoun Dasht’ and ‘The Bright Side of Life,’ in 1995 and 1997 respectively, and is now presented in full. In the preface, Naser Vahdati writes: ‘Consider this novel as part of Gilan’s literature, in which ‘Khoun Dasht’ portrays the life of Gilan’s people 80 years ago, blended with elements of ethics, culture, music, colors, love, and death. I have poured my heart into it, with lovers like Sattar, Reyhan, Banafsheh, Daryoush, Hibbat, Safar, and Heydar Khan Deylami, Kasmar, and Pilagha!’ Regarding ‘The Bright Side of Life,’ the author notes: ‘In ‘The Bright Side of Life,’ I explored the emergence and development of modernity in Gilan using a different style and numerous elements. Ultimately, that part of February 8, 1971, in Siahkal, which unfolded before my eyes, I regarded as an intellectual, student-led, and Gilan-based uprising.’