TEHRAN -- The Iranian Merchant Mariners’ Syndicate paid tribute to the renowned Iranian translator of Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”, Najaf Daryabandari during a ceremony held at Tehran’s Milad Tower on Sunday.

December fifth marks “Mariner’ Family Day” in Iran and Najaf is the son of Captain Khalaf Daryabandari, one of the first marine pilots of Iran, syndicate director Mohammad Vaferifar said, calling Najaf a sparkling gem from a mariners’ family.
Cosponsored by Cinema Theater Monthly and the Association of Iranian Documentary Producers, a group of cinematic and theatrical figures, authors and translators attended the ceremony.
Vaferifar stressed on the impression of different scopes of art and literature in highlighting the characteristics of the sea, and said, “The world without art is ugly, and an artless sea with all its subtleties and emotions would sink into oblivion. This sea needs artists who can depict dreams.”
Actor Behzad Farahani was called on stage to speak and said, “It is hard for me to talk about a man who has made such great efforts for the literature of Iran.
“A major part of our literature is indebted to the port and the great men who have grown up there. They have helped show the power of their land and I believe Najaf is the highlight.
“Daryabandari’s translations are unique in words, phrases and even the tone. The hidden gem of the writer shines in Najaf’s translations, while he does not violate the writer’s rights either.” He added.
Farahani also referred to Najaf’s veteran dubber and actress wife, Fahimeh Rastkar as the one who has had a major role in his success and said, “Any time I think of Daryabandari I see nothing but honesty and friendship.”
Translator and Sociologist Fariborz Raiisdana also talked about Najaf and said, “I have learned how to write cleanly, with passion and without mistakes all from Daryabandari, but I wonder why I still cannot write and concentrate as precisely as he does.”
Daryabandari’s appearance on stage garnered prolonged applause and ovations from the public. Daryabandari was fighting back tears when he was asked to make a brief speech, but could not finish his sentence and said, “I am not prepared for these kind of things, since last year when I became ill……” and then burst into tears.
Daryabandari, 81, was hospitalized in May 2010 because of a stroke. He was in the ICU but was discharged after three weeks.
The ceremony was brought to an end by handing a replica of Darius the Great’s Suez Inscriptions to the author by the syndicate followed by a live music performance.
The syndicate and the Association of Iranian Documentary Producers also signed an agreement to hold a photo and film festival on seafarers to be financially supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Persian translations of Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” and “The Old Man and the Sea”, William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” and “As I Lay Dying”, Bertrand Russell’s “A History of Western Philosophy” and “Power” are among Najaf’s credits.
In addition, Daryabandari has authored several books in Persian including “From Garlic to Onion”, a cookbook that he authored with the help of his wife Fahimeh Rastkar.
Photo: Najaf Daryabandari (R) delivers a speech during a ceremony held at Tehran’s Milad Tower on December 5, 2010 to honor the Iranian translator. Host actor Behzad Farahani (L) is seen clapping in the photo. (Mehr/Mohammadreza Abbasi)