Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei expressed his condolences here Saturday over the demise of renowned Iranian satirist Kiumars Saberi Fumani.
In his message, the Leader expressed his sorrow over the artist's death, saying it was a sad blow to his friends as well as those who were familiar with his distinct style of humor and political satire.
The celebrated satirist, who was the editor of the popular weekly satirical magazine Gol Aqa (Mr. Flower), passed away Friday morning at the age of 63.
Popularly known as the "Gol Aqa" of the Iranian press, Saberi suffered from a blood disorder and had been hospitalized at Mehr Hospital in Tehran for about a month before his death.
Saberi was born in the northern Iranian province of Gilan in the city of Sume'e Sara.
He published two books while working as presidential advisor to Martyr Mohammad Ali Raja'i.
Saberi wrote for the popular satirical magazine Tofiq during the pre-revolution years. He also had a column entitled "A Few Words of Reason" in the daily Ettela'at.
His Gol Aqa Cultural Institute and Gol Aqa weekly, monthly, and yearbook, all of which were hugely popular from 1990 to 2002, were his greatest achievements.
But he was more famous for the distinct type of humor he popularized during the post-revolutionary era. Saberi will be best remembered for his political and social satire, which became his trademark.
His funeral was held on Saturday.
President Mohammad Khatami and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jame'i also issued condolence messages.
In his opening remarks during Saturday's parliament session, Majlis Speaker Mahdi Karrubi eulogized Saberi, saying his departure was a great loss for the nation and his family.