Ahmad Shamloo (Persian: احمد شاملو‎, also known under his pen name A. Bamdad (December 12, 1925 – July 24, 2000) was a Persian poet, writer, and journalist. Shamlou was arguably the most influential poet of modern Iran. His initial poetry was influenced by and in the tradition of Nima Youshij.

Shamlou has translated extensively from French to Persian and his own works are also translated into a number of languages.

His thirteen-volume Ketab-e Koucheh (The Book of Alley) is a major contribution in understanding the Iranian folklore beliefs and language. He also wrote fiction and Screenplays, contributing to children’s literature, and journalism.

Some of his books

• The Forgotten Songs (1947)
• Poems of Iron and Feelings (1953)
• Blossoming in the Mist (1970)

Awards

• Forooghe Farrokhzad Prize, 1973
• Freedom of Expression Award given by Human Rights Watch, 1990
• Stig Dagerman Prize, 1999
• Free Word Award given by Poets of All Nations in Netherlands, 2000