Ghafar Davarpanah, the founder of modern stone cutting in Iran, passed away at the age of 92 in Tehran. As one of the pioneers of Iran’s stone industry, he was born in 1929 in Sedeh, Isfahan, and due to his father’s profession, he was introduced to stone carving from an early age.
His father, originally a farmer, joined the military in his youth and served for ten years. However, due to financial hardships, he resigned and chose stone cutting as his profession.
Early Life and Entry into the Stone Industry
During World War II, amid economic difficulties, 11-year-old Davarpanah moved to Isfahan with his father and began working as a stone carver to support his family. By 1948, with his modest savings, he established his first small stone-cutting workshop.
In his memoir, compiled by Sakhara & Ajianeh Group, Davarpanah recounts:
“I had exhausted my capital and had no more stone to carve. One night, a man woke me up and said, ‘We have a stonework project. Come see if you can do it.’”
This encounter introduced him to Engineer Sardari, a French-educated expert, who became a significant mentor to Davarpanah. With Sardari’s guidance and his own determination, he found a new path to success. Davarpanah credits Sardari’s support as a major factor in his professional growth.
Key Turning Points in His Career
During the early 1950s, under Prime Minister Mosaddegh’s administration, Davarpanah met Morteza Keyvan, who played a pivotal role in shaping his personal and professional outlook.
By 1954, he married and expanded his expertise through collaborations with renowned architect Houshang Seyhoun. That same year, he was introduced to Ghafar Rahimi, known as “The Sultan of Stone in Iran,” and later partnered with him to execute the Azadi Tower project.
Establishing a Modern Stone Industry in Iran
By 1958, with his growing expertise, Davarpanah co-founded the Peka Stone Cutting Factory, later renamed Fapka, along with his partners. This factory became a pioneering hub for introducing modern stone processing technologies in Iran, eventually achieving the milestone of exporting processed stone internationally.
He played a crucial role in revolutionizing stone processing techniques and is widely recognized as the “Father of Modern Stone Cutting in Iran.”
Founding Sakhara Stone Cutting Factory
In 1963, Davarpanah established Sakhara Stone Cutting Factory, which became a key player in Iran’s architectural stone industry, collaborating with many of Iran’s most renowned architects.
While stone usage in Iranian construction was limited during Reza Shah’s era, it flourished in the 1970s, partly due to Davarpanah’s innovations and his pioneering work with granite—he was the first in Iran to cut granite commercially.
A Legacy of Industrial Expansion
Throughout his career, Davarpanah established ten stone-cutting factories, with the final one being Sakhara & Ajianeh, founded in 1998. Today, this factory continues to operate as one of Iran’s leading stone processing enterprises.
His contributions led to an economic boom in the stone industry, allowing him to construct a personal residence that, according to Iran’s top architects, is considered one of the finest masterpieces of stone architecture in the country.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Despite his success and wealth, luxury and material possessions never overshadowed his humanitarian spirit. Davarpanah was deeply committed to philanthropy, frequently contributing to charitable organizations and assisting those in need.
Most Iconic Project: Azadi Tower
Perhaps his most significant contribution was his role in the construction of Tehran’s Azadi Tower, a national symbol of Iran.
- He was responsible for selecting the stone, cutting, and executing the stonework, merging art and craftsmanship to create a timeless monument.
- This tower has remained an enduring landmark for generations of Iranians.
Apart from Azadi Tower, he also contributed to the construction of the Ministry of Interior building and several other major national projects.
A Lasting Legacy
Master Ghafar Davarpanah’s life story and contributions have been compiled in a memoir published by Sakhara & Ajianeh Group. This book offers an in-depth look at his journey and can be downloaded via the link below.
His pioneering innovations, dedication to craftsmanship, and impact on Iran’s architectural landscape have left a legacy that will inspire future generations in the stone industry and beyond.
