The late Mehraban Goshtasbpour Parsi was the first person in Yazd to introduce modern agriculture by purchasing a tractor, marking the beginning of mechanized farming in the region.
Son of Bahram, Mehraban was a hardworking and self-made individual, known for his innovation and dedication to the Zoroastrian community. He passed away in Bahman 1367 (February 1989) and was remembered as an irreplaceable figure.
Born in 1290 (1911/12) in Yazd, he began his education locally before continuing at Alborz College in Tehran, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He later taught at Markar High School, where his dedication earned him a scientific medal from the Ministry of Education in 1314 (1935/36).
In 1326 (1947/48), he joined Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi in transforming Iran’s agriculture through deep well irrigation, helping turn parts of Yazd’s arid lands into fertile fields. Mehraban also purchased Yazd’s first tractor, paving the way for mechanized farming. He went on to establish multiple farms, dig 150 wells, and provide portions of land to local farmers free of charge.
The philanthropic work of Mehraban Goshtasbpour Parsi extended well beyond introducing the first tractor to Yazd farmers and supporting deep well irrigation. In 1330 (1951/52), he established a six-class elementary school in Yazd, named “Bahramiyeh” in honor of his late father, and entrusted it to the provincial education authorities. The school was located in Hassanabad, Meybod.
In 1342 (1963/64), he moved to Shiraz to head the National Irrigation Organization of Iran, founded by Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi, dedicating twenty productive years to improving Iran’s irrigation systems.
Mehraban Goshtasbpour also authored a significant scholarly work, “Treasury of Iranian Names”, which documents authentic Iranian names and their etymology, reflecting his deep understanding of Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Over a period of forty years (1310–1350 / 1931–1971), he compiled nearly 3,100 male and 1,800 female names, providing phonetic transcription, historical evolution, and references to the Shahnameh wherever relevant. The book was first published in 1350 (1971/72) by Forouhar Publications.
Though 37 years have passed since his death, the name and contributions of Mehraban Goshtasbpour Parsi remain celebrated and respected. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
