About two decades have passed since my acquaintance with these two esteemed and renowned figures of Iran and Kurdistan. One of them is among the top and most famous economists of Iran, a master of industrial development, and the creator of the idea and concept of “governance system” in the administration of the country. An idea that today has become a key term in the scientific discourses of experts in the field of economics. Unfortunately, its absence in the country’s decision-making and policymaking system has deprived the Iranian nation of many opportunities to achieve a dignified human life. According to a distinguished professor like Dr. Farshad Momeni, “Dr. Mardoukhi is the most deserving and suitable person to comment on the strategic situation of Iran’s economy; because his unparalleled knowledge and experience have brought him this merit.”
Last March, a ceremony was held at the House of Humanities Thinkers to honor him and unveil the book: “Bayazid’s Narrative of Iran’s Development” with the presence of prominent figures in the field of economics and management of the country, as well as some of his friends and students. The speeches and messages of figures such as Dr. Mohsen Renani, Dr. Hojjat Mirzaei, Dr. Momeni, Dr. Satarifar, Dr. Nili, Professor Ali Mirzaei, and others were part of the testimony of experts about the scientific capabilities and worthy and lasting services of this renowned Iranian economist, which sweetened the hearts of all those present at that blessed gathering and reduced the volume of despair in the tired hearts of the disheartened from the tedium of the times…
The other is also a lawyer, a renowned advocate and patient defender of human rights, and a veteran journalist. Mr. Saleh Nikbakht, a man who, in the toughest days of contemporary history of this land, has been a refuge for many defenseless individuals and the outspoken voice of the imprisoned, regardless of any affiliation or distinction… From Kurdish journalists to prominent Iranian editors and journalists in the autumn of the press, from the court of prominent figures and critics of the ruling policy in Iran to the restoration of public rights in the case of the export bank embezzlement (123 billion), from saving the lives of Adnan Hassanpour and Hossein Kamangar to the release of Jafar Panahi and Emadeddin Baghi, from the unfulfilled but persistent and diligent effort to save Zanyar and Loghman to the logical and legal defense of the rights of Zhina Amini’s next of kin and reading Zhina’s mother’s message in the European Parliament, everywhere and with utmost patience and perseverance, he has strived to save his clients and bring hope to the hearts of the suffering relatives of the imprisoned, relying on his legal knowledge and utilizing legal capacities, and to the testimony of fair individuals, he is one of the few lawyers who has brought double credibility and honor to this important and sensitive profession. Of course, these steadfastnesses have also brought him enmities and adversities.
The publication of hundreds of specialized notes and legal interviews, as well as the insertion of excellent articles in domestic publications and reputable journals, along with training and educating dozens of interns and young lawyers, is another function of this true teacher of law and brave defender of freedom, which has been recorded and documented in the chronicle of our times.
Both have seen hardships and endured tribulations to achieve this level of knowledge and capability along with good repute, and in their youth, albeit separately, have tasted the bitter experience of Pahlavi’s prisons. The latter, however, has not been spared the pain of imprisonment in this period either… Joint activity in the Kurdish residents’ association of Tehran in the mid-1970s and on the eve of the revolution, alongside notable and renowned figures such as the late Sarem al-Din Sadegh Waziri, marked the beginning of the friendship and human affection of these two renowned Kurdish figures, which has lasted for over half a century. An association that, in its time, became the source of valuable and lasting services in alleviating the sufferings of the Kurds.
The establishment of the United Front of the Kurds, along with the late Adab and a group of other prominent Kurdish figures in the final months of Khatami’s administration, was another station of joint work of these two personalities in striving to eliminate deprivations and end discrimination against Kurds in the political and administrative system, which, for reasons not mentioned here, did not achieve its intended goal and with the death of Engineer Adab and the exit of these figures and some others, its influence significantly diminished.
In these two decades of acquaintance resulting in lasting friendship, in travel and presence, I have learned many lessons from these two great men and have benefited greatly. I have witnessed the increasing depth of this friendship and intellectual and human affection beyond personal desires and aspirations. I am delighted and grateful that differences in views and approach have never prevented them from showing kindness and grace to me, and they themselves, in some areas, have differing opinions and perspectives; but these differences have not disrupted this friendship and lasting relationship. In the shadow of such friends, I consider myself a fortunate and highly privileged human being.
I have conducted extensive conversations with these valuable figures to document their experiences, which I believe will be very useful for today’s and tomorrow’s society. I hope to achieve the success of printing and publishing these bitter and sweet experiences so that our young generation knows what pains these great individuals have endured to overcome discriminations and take such figures as role models to perhaps save their nation from marginalization and imposed deprivation.
Dr. Mardoukhi and Mr. Nikbakht, although not perfect and free from error, are truly humans in every sense of the word, in a way that their behavior, conduct, records, specialized knowledge, and human ethics make one respectfully take off their hat to these two valuable human treasures.
