Stormy Days is the autobiography of Levon Aharonian, a successful Iranian-Armenian businessman, community activist, and philanthropist. Born in 1930, his life has straddled the most momentous periods in modern Iranian and Armenian history, including the rise and fall of Reza Shah, the overthrow of Prime Minister Mosaddeq (1953), the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979), the Iran-Iraq War (1981-88), and the independence of Armenia (1991). These developments are covered in the first person, as the author was a keen observer and watched them unfold around him.
As an adult, Aharonian became active in Armenian community affairs, and was elected a member — and chairman - of the diocesan council of Tehran (1980). His autobiography thus gives us intimate insights into the internal workings and challenges this community faced as it ran its affairs. With the independence of Armenia, the author played an important role in the establishment of political and trade relations between Armenia and Iran - to the benefit of both countries. He continues to be active on both sides of the border.
Aharonian has had a happy family life, build up a major transport company and business -, and enjoys a wide circle of friends.
Stormy Days is an engaging work and an invaluable source for those interested in the social and political history of Iran and its Armenian community. The work was originally published in Persian (2008) and Armenian (2010). The English translation is abridged.