Prof. Parviz Kardavani, a top Iranian geographer passes away

Professor Parviz Kardavani, a top Iranian geographer known as the Father of ‎Kavir (salt pan) Studies in Iran passed away in Tehran. He was 90. ‎

Born in 1931 in Garmsar, Iran, Kardavani finished elementary and high school education in his hometown as well as in Tehran and pursued his higher education in Germany, where he received a Ph.D. in agricultural science (desert agriculture). To prepare a dissertation, Kardavani transferred about one ton of desert soil (salt field) from Iran to Germany and analyzed the material for 4 years.

 He received his Ph.D. in 1966, as the best student of agriculture in Germany in that year and was granted numerous awards on the occasion from the relevant authorities in Germany and Iran. In the same year, the expert returned to Iran, where he became the first faculty member of the newly founded scientific board at Urumieh University. In 1969, he moved to the Department of Geography at University of Tehran.

Kardavani received accolades as Distinguished Professor of University of Tehran in 1998 and 2001; Distinguished Researcher of University of Tehran in 2006 “National Eternal Figure of Iranian Science in 2005.

The eminent scientist has 22 books and numerous scientific articles in his career published in Persian, German and English languages in quality scientific journals at home and abroad. He has also delivered over one hundred lectures at reliable scientific associations at home and abroad.

Kardavani had also membership at several national and international scientific associations such as the Middle East Water Network, Greenpeace (Green Front) board of trustees and the Asian Studies Foundation. He served as Head of the Committee against Desertification of Iran Environmental Specialists Society and advisor of over 150 M.S and 7 Ph.D. dissertations and implemented several research projects (identification of Lout Desert, identification of the natural, economical and social situation of rural desert regions.

 Kavir of Central Iran and Its Bordering Regions'; 'Geography of Soils; 'Protection of Soil'; Natural Ecosystems', 'Aquatic Ecosystems' and Salt waters' are only a few examples of books authored by Professor Kardavani. 

 May God bless his soul.

Courtesy of IBNA