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Shaban
The story of Shaban "Beemokh" Jafari

April 12, 2002
The Iranian

Shaban Jafari, a.k.a. Shaban Beemokh ("Brainless"), has been an important figure in Iranian contemporary history. For more than half a century he has been commonly known as a thug who led his men against opponents of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, notably during the 1953 coup.

Jafari's "boys" -- from traditional, religious neighborhoods of Tehran -- were not unlike today's Anasar Hezbollah who frequently storm political gatherings that do not tow the official line in the Islamic Republic.

In the 483-page "Shaban Jafari" (2002, Naab Publishers, Beverly Hills), writer Homa Sarshar has shed much light on the man behind the myth. The book is based on an extensive interview with Jafari, who lived mostly in Los Angeles after the 1979 revolution. It also includes dozens of exclusive photographs.

Excerpts and sample photos from the book:

-- Introduction (5 pages)
-- Jafari on the 1953 Coup (13 pages)

Photos

-- Young Shaban
-- 1953 coup (1)
-- 1953 coup (2)
-- With Mohammad Reza Shah
-- Shah's birthday festival
-- With Ayatollah Kashani
-- Political cartoon
-- With Mohammad Ali
-- With Frank Sinatra
-- With Gina Lollabrigida
-- With "Iron Sheikh"
--
In Los Angeles
--
Shaban, Raiders fan
--
With Homa Sarshar
--
Shaban in 2000

Purchase this book from Naab Publishers

Comment for The Iranian letters section
Comment for the author Homa Sarshar

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