Charles-Henri de Fouchécour, a prominent French Iranologist and scholar renowned for his contributions to Persian literature studies, passed away on June 19 at the age of 100. Over his extensive career, de Fouchécour became especially known for his French translation of the Divan of Hafez, one of the most significant collections of Persian poetry.
Born in France, de Fouchécour’s journey into Iranian studies was shaped by his diverse experiences, including time spent living in Morocco and serving during World War II. He later held academic roles at prestigious institutions in Paris, such as Sorbonne University and the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO).
His translation of Hafez’s Divan, which took approximately two decades to complete, comprises more than 1,200 pages of commentary. This extensive work sought to illuminate the historical, literary, and philosophical contexts surrounding the 14th-century poet’s verses. De Fouchécour emphasized that engaging with Hafez’s poetry was a lifelong commitment due to its intricate depth and complexity. Throughout his translation process, he collaborated closely with Iranian scholars who specialized in Hafez’s oeuvre.
In addition to his translation efforts, de Fouchécour authored various studies focused on Persian literature and ethics. His research included an analysis titled “Moralia,” which explored moral concepts within Persian literary traditions, as well as a work examining the influence of Imam Ali on wisdom literature across Islamic and Persian cultures. Furthermore, he contributed to the founding of Abstracta Iranica, an academic journal dedicated to Iranian studies that continues to serve scholars in the field.
De Fouchécour’s scholarship focused largely on the ethical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of Persian literary works, alongside their artistic qualities. His publications played a key role in introducing classical Persian texts to French-speaking audiences and advancing the understanding of Iranian culture within Western academia.
Hafez, who lived in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz during the 14th century, remains a central figure in Persian literature, with his poetry translated into numerous languages and continually inspiring readers and researchers worldwide. De Fouchécour’s translation is frequently cited as one of the most comprehensive French editions of Hafez’s work, securing his legacy as a significant bridge between Persian literary heritage and European scholarship.