Ali Akbar Abdolrashidi
Ali Akbar Abdolrashidi | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 9, 1949 Kerman, Iran |
| Occupation(s) | Thinker, journalist, author, traveler, television presenter, translator, academic lecturer |
| Known for | Interviews with Fidel Castro, Rajiv Gandhi, Muammar al-Gaddafi; work with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) |
Ali Akbar Abdolrashidi (; born 9 July 1949 in Kerman) is a distinguished Iranian thinker, journalist, author, traveler, television presenter, translator, and academic lecturer. Over his long-standing career, Abdolrashidi has conducted numerous interviews with notable global leaders including Fidel Castro, Rajiv Gandhi, and Muammar al-Gaddafi. His primary affiliation has been with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
Early career
Abdolrashidi's professional journey started in the early 1960s during his teenage years at a local radio station in Kerman. He subsequently moved to the national radio network where he worked as a researcher for a weekly program focused on folklore.
Journalism
After mastering English, he transitioned to the news and current affairs division as a newswire translator. In 1980, he was appointed as IRIB’s correspondent based in London. The following year, he returned to Tehran to lead the foreign news section at IRIB’s headquarters, reporting on international developments at venues such as the United Nations and OPEC.
In 1984, Abdolrashidi resumed his correspondent duties in London, covering Britain and Europe. His reporting included significant historical moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the establishment of the European Union.
Works
Having traveled to 40 countries, Abdolrashidi has written or translated twenty books by 2012, in addition to producing hundreds of articles and essays. He also pursues photography as a hobby and shares some of his images online.
Awards
Among several recognitions for his journalism, Abdolrashidi was honored with the prestigious top award from Japan’s Hoso Bunka Foundation for his documentary Hejran (Dislocation). This film delves into the difficulties faced by Asian immigrants striving for new lives abroad, emphasizing the disparity between their hopes and actual experiences.