Omid Shams Gakieh

Omid Shams Gakieh is an author, artist, literary critic and freelance journalist. He holds an MA in American Studies from the University of Torino, Italy and has published several books, which include poems, novels, and translations of prominent American authors into Farsi, like Ginsberg and Bergstein. He has written numerous essays on poetry and critical theory, all published in various literary journals, magazines, as well as online. He has been co-editor of literary magazines, including Zendeh Rood, Bidaar and Dastoor. 

After experiencing threats and assaults from the authorities in Iran as a result of his writings and engagement in the human rights situation in Iran, he fled his home country for Europe. Shams Gakieh arrived safely in Aarhus in April 2014 and continues his writings and arts work in his new safe haven.