Introducing Towfigh Magazine: A Timeless Journey of Humor and Satire

(This page is an attribute to the occasion of the centennial anniversary of Towfigh publication)


Step into the world of Towfigh, a Persian-language humorous and satirical weekly magazine that captivated readers for nearly half a century, from 1922 to 1971. With its catchy slogan, "Fellow citizen! Don't forget two things on Friday night: second, buying the Towfigh magazine!" it became an essential part of Friday night rituals. Let's embark on a journey through its remarkable history, divided into two intriguing periods.
In the first period, led by the visionary Hussein Towfigh, the magazine evolved from a semi-humorous and semi-serious publication to a predominantly humorous one. With a renewed focus on cartoons and literature, Towfigh transformed into a platform that used wit and satire to explore moral and social issues. Despite facing censorship during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, Towfigh fearlessly continued its publication, capturing the hearts of readers.
After Hussein Towfigh's passing, the magazine briefly came to a halt until his son, Mohammad Ali Towfigh, took the reins. This marked the beginning of the second period, characterized by a politically charged atmosphere and the liberation of the press. Towfigh embraced its role as a critical voice, using humor and satire to comment on the instability of governments and the performance of prime ministers. Facing repeated confiscation and suspension, the magazine persevered, aligning itself with anti-colonial sentiments and supporting nationalization movements.
Join us as we delve deeper into the captivating journey of Towfigh Magazine, where humor, satire, and social commentary intertwine to create a unique and timeless publication. Experience the wit, the controversies, and the unwavering spirit that made Towfigh an integral part of Persian literary heritage.

Towfigh 1922-1972

[Text Translation]

Prime Minister to Kaka [Brother] Towfigh:

-Everyone has served us as Prime Minister, where do you serve us?

Kaka [Brother] Towfigh:

-I serve [to discipline] you through the pages of the Towfigh newspaper!

Towfigh Publications (1922-1971)

Towfigh 1922-1971

Mother Nation / مادر وطن
Tawfiq, year 24, no. 29 (7 August 1946), 1.
توفیق، سال ۲۴، شماره ۲۹ (۱۶ مرداد ۱۳۲۵). ۱.

When Will It Happen?"

[Poem Translation]

O Lord, when will this Iran of ours become prosperous?

Oh, soul of the nation, when will it be free from affliction?

You who said the country would prosper, what happened?

What happened to the pen and the freedom of speech and expression?

The people of Iran were supposed to become joyful, what happened?

What happened to the strengthening of its four pillars?

Towfigh 1922-1971

[Text Translation]

“The bus routes shortened, taxi fares doubled, and urban rickshaws were shut-down.”-Towfigh

Prime Minister Asa’ee:

-Go away, rickshaw!”

Madam, hop on the taxi

If the taxi is expensive…

the bus is only half the price!

Passenger:

– Forget it, it’s expensive for free

It’s just like the other one!

Towfigh 1962

[The title of the article]

Mr. Neutral’s authority regarding ladies and gentlemen

[the written text on the banner in the hands of men in the picture]:

-Ladies should be expelled from offices

[the written text on the banner in the hands of women in the picture]:

-Men should be destroyed! Hooray! Hooray

Towfigh 1922-1971

[Text Translation]

“The municipality of Tehran said: I am unfamiliar with the municipality and its duties.”

Kaka [Brother]:

-So why did you come here?

The mayor:

– Because I am familiar with this gentleman!

Towfigh 1962

[Text Translation]

A letter from Ishrat-ul-moluk to Towfigh

Dear Editor, may God grant you success. Why do you always mention the cunning of women and never mention the cunning of men, even though men’s cunning is greater than that of women? If women have a thousand and one trickeries, men have even more. All these women who are in these streets and alleys, and whatever they find, they spend it on cosmetics, stockings, veils, and cream powder. It is the trickery of these very men. Why do they deceive these girls with a thousand tricks and illusions to marry them, and for a few days, they treat these poor girls well? But after they have satisfied their desires and taken their expenses, they start treating them with such severity that the unfortunate girl has to say, “I do not wish to claim my dowry to set myself free.”….

Towfigh 1922-1971

[Text Translation]

“In Rome, a restaurant named Elizabeth Taylor has opened, and they have placed the names of famous actors on their dishes.”

Waiter to the customer:

-Here you are! Abomasum [milk tank] of Sophia Loren!