The Nature of "Toofan"; An Analysis of Characteristics and Distinctions of the Journalism of Farrokhi Yazdi

Mostly known for his political poetry including sonnets and quatrains (rubaiyat), Farrokhi Yazdi (1267-1318/1888-1939 A.D) has been less studied for his political activities through his journalism and essay writing. This article describes the periods of his journalism and examines the characteristics of "Toofan". Farrokhi Yazdi established his critical newspaper, "Toofan", in 1301(1923A.D) in support of liberalism and published the first issue on Shahrivar 2nd (August 25th). In spite of the despotism of Reza Shah, Toofan was continuously published for eight years. Farrokhi's political activities with "Toofan" are divided into two periods: the first and the most critical period, covers the time from the establishment of "Toofan" to its suppression due to the publication of an article entitled "What Is Security?", and the second, during which he was forced to choose a prudent approach in his criticism of the Shah, lasts from its re-publication in 6.6.1305(08.29.1926) to the end of his political immunity in the seventh parliament (Bahman 1307/January 1929). Toofan, however, followed its definite resolution and farsightedness, truthfulness, uncommitted approach, and realism; it dissected problems for the roots, and made use of poetry in journalism.