Sipid u Siyah Naw 1953-0004

FILE INFO

Publication frequency: Weekly
Language: Persian
Subject: Theatre, Cinema, Politics, Social, Current Affairs, Literature, Fashion, Short Stories
Place of publication: Tehran
Publication Serie: Sipid u Siyah
Imprint Owner: ‘Ali Bihzadi
Chief Executive: Akbar Muaveni

DESCRIPTION

The first issue of Sipid u Siyah (White and Black) magazine, under the title Sipid u Siyah Naw was published in 1953, featuring an image of Muhammad Musaddiq on the cover. The magazine was managed and edited by ‘Ali Bihzadi. Sipid u Siyah Naw was initially published under the license of the newspaper Ghogha-ye Man (licensed to ‘Ali Asghar Karbaf) through issue no. 17, and from issue no. 18 to 26 under the license of the magazine Mushir (licensed to Mahmud Mushiri). Starting with issue no. 27, the magazine was renamed Sipid u Siyah, with ‘Ali Bihzadi as imprint owner and editor, and Akbar Muaveni as chief executive. The magazine restarted its issue numbering each year.

While the core content of Sipid u Siyah consistently included topics such as Iranian and global history and politics, poetry, satire, short stories, serialized novels, historical fiction, and current affairs, the style and presentation changed continuously. For example, women’s topics were sometimes presented as moral anecdotes in the section “The Life of Pari Khanum,” sometimes as medical advice on treating conditions like bunions, and at other times as commentary on the latest fashion and movie stars.

The section on film and cinema, which initially offered brief overviews, gradually expanded—eventually leading to famous movie stars gracing the magazine's cover.

The Eventful Life of Nadir Shah by Dr. Muhammad Husayn Maymandi-nizhad, Famous Lovers translated by Nasser (pen name: Zabihu’llah Mansuri), Six Years Among the Wild Women of the Amazon by Oqab (pen name: Manuchihr Muti‘i), The Loves and Tears of Josephine by Kurt Christian, translated by Ahmad Mar'ashi, the arts & artists page by Karim Fakur, the sport news page by Parviz Bihzadi, and short stories and notes by Husayn Quli Musta‘an, Sa‘id Nafisi, Sadruddin Ilahii, and Parviz Sayyad were among the features in the Sipid u Siyah journal.

In issue no. 18, dated December 13, 1953, a brief note warned of the magazine’s possible suspension, which ultimately did not occur. However, in August 1974, after 22 years of publication, Sipid u Siyah was halted for four years. The reason for this suspension was explained in issue no. 1086 dated October 25, 1978, which featured an image of a sewn-shut mouth on its cover. In the summer of 1979, Sipid u Siyah was permanently discontinued.

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