# Gul Mohamad Zhowandai

Gul Mohamad Zhowandai گل محمد ژوندی (1905–1988) son of Khair Mohamad khan popalzai خیر محمد خان پوپلزی was born in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Gul Mohamad Zhowandai is renowned for his captivating short stories, novels, and poetry, as well as his role as an editor for several Afghan daily newspapers, including Islah and Anīs. Zhowandai's unique style of writing, which skillfully incorporated magical enchantments, Afghan folktales, and traditions, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Afghanistan.
Mr. Zhowandai grew up immersed in the rich tapestry of Afghan culture, folklore, and traditions. These influences became the foundation of his literary works, which would go on to captivate readers across the nation.
During his career as an editor for Afghan newspapers, Zhowandai recognized the power of storytelling in preserving and celebrating the Afghan identity. He dedicated himself to publishing short stories and articles that embraced the enchanting world of Afghan folktales and traditions. These stories were initially published daily in Afghan newspapers, capturing the imagination of readers and setting a new standard for Afghan literature and story telling.
Zhowandai's writing style is characterized by its ability to transport readers into a realm where reality and enchantment intertwine. His stories often feature mythical creatures, magical elements, and larger-than-life characters inspired by Afghan folklore. By seamlessly blending these elements with the everyday experiences of the Afghan people, Zhowandai created a literary style that was both evocative and relatable.
His works not only entertained readers but also served as a means of preserving and promoting Afghan heritage. By incorporating traditional storytelling techniques and themes into contemporary narratives, Zhowandai revitalized interest in Afghan folktales and traditions, ensuring their longevity among future generations.
Zhowandai's influence on Afghan literature cannot be overstated. His works became a source of inspiration for many aspiring Afghan writers, who followed in his footsteps to explore the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan through their own writings. His style set a precedent for incorporating magical enchantments and Afghan folktales into contemporary literature, shaping the direction of Afghan storytelling for years to come.
Throughout his career, Zhowandai received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to literature. His writings continue to be celebrated for their ability to transport readers to a world where reality and imagination coexist harmoniously. Gul Mohammad Zhowandai remains a prominent figure in Afghan literature, leaving a lasting legacy as a short story writer, editor, and advocate for preserving the enchanting folklore and traditions of Afghanistan.
A poet and writer, his publications were novels written in Persian, and several volumes of inspirational verse. He was editor of Islah and Anis Publications in 1950s. He was 83 years old when he died.
His published works include:
* Ferroz — short stories (Kabul, Afghanistan)
* Ahrezo ah ye per ahshoob — short stories (Kabul, Afghanistan: Islla Publications)
* Kachkol — novel (Kabul, Afghanistan)
* Collection of Poems (Kabul, Afghanistan: Islla, Anis)
In Timeri Murari's novel The Taliban Cricket Club the narrator described Gul as "our most celebrated poet and writer."

## Sources

* Modern Fiction In Afghanistan (Taraneh Publication)
* An Encyclopedia of Persian Literature in Afghanistan Vol. 3 (Tehran, 1999)
* Mahseerin Sukhanwar (Kabul, Afghanistan)
* Islah daily Newspaper 1935-1947 Library of Congress scanned Afghanistan printed materials