Mohammad Hashem Zamani (Pashto: محمد هاشم زماني), born in 1928 in Lamattak, Kunar, Afghanistan, was an influential Afghan poet and a prominent literary figure. Born to Ghazi Mir Zaman Khan, a general during King Amanullah Khan’s reign and a veteran of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, Zamani was deeply rooted in the history and culture of his homeland.
Early Life and Education Of Mohammad Hashem Zamani
Mohammad Hashem Zamani’s primary education began in his village’s mosque, where he learned about traditional Afghan values and the Pashto language. At the age of sixteen, Zamani and over a hundred of his family members were imprisoned in Kabul’s Deh Mazang prison on political charges. His time in prison proved to be a formative period in his life, during which he encountered notable personalities like Yaqub Khan Ghond Mashar, Sarwar Joya, Dr. Mahmoodi, and Ferqa Mashar Ghulam Nabi Khan Charkhi.
Throughout his thirteen years in prison, Zamani faced significant hardship, witnessing the loss of twenty-eight family members to disease and malnourishment. Following his release, he and his family were exiled to Herat, where they spent eight more years in forced isolation.
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Political Involvement and Exile Of Mohammad Hashem Zamani
In later years, Zamani represented the people of Kunar at the Grand Assembly convened under President Mohammed Daoud Khan. However, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 forced him to flee to Peshawar, Pakistan, seeking safety from the political turmoil. His subsequent travels included attending various international conferences, where he shared his perspectives on Afghan issues. In 1987, Zamani migrated to the United States, settling in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California.
Despite experiencing severe health issues, including a heart attack and a stroke in 1990, Zamani remained committed to his literary work. He continued to write, publishing “The Injured Heart Collection” and “Zindani Khaaterat” (Prison Memories) and working on his final book, “Da Pohenay Inqilab” (The Revolution of Consciousness), until his last days.
Literary Contributions
Zamani’s writing career began during his imprisonment with a collection of poems titled Zendani Ehsas (The Emotion of Prison), which reflected the emotions and struggles he endured. His works often portrayed themes of Afghan nationalism, resilience, and the horrors of war, resonating deeply with readers in Afghanistan and the diaspora.
Among his other notable works, Qutbi Khirs (Polar Bear) gained particular attention during the Soviet-Afghan War era. The book was eventually translated into several languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish. His other works, like Loya Qurbani (Great Sacrifice), De Azadi Armaan (Dreams of Freedom), and Sarey Khwara Bala (The Feral Beast), cemented his status as a key voice in Afghan literature.
List of Pashto-Language Poets
Legacy and Death
Mohammad Hashem Zamani passed away on June 10, 2005, in Hayward, California, due to a heart attack. He was 76 years old. In accordance with his wishes, his body was repatriated to Afghanistan and buried in his hometown in Kunar Province. Zamani is survived by his wife, Bibi Shireen, and his children, who continue to carry forward his legacy.
Throughout his lifetime, Mohammad Hashem Zamani contributed significantly to Pashto literature, immortalizing the Afghan spirit through his poetry. His works remain a testament to his love for Afghanistan, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of his people.