Dr. Manouchehr Sionit

Dr. Manouchehr Sionit, veterinarian and one of the first authors of medical books for general public in Iran, was born on June 8, 1937, into a Jewish family in Tehran. His father, Mehdi Sionit, known as Haj Mehdi, was engaged in foreign trade. His mother, Jamalieh Khanum Nehorai, was the granddaughter of Dr. Nur Mahmoud and the daughter of philosopher Homayoun Nehorai, both renowned physicians in Naser al-Din Shah’s court.

Dr. Sionit completed his primary and secondary education at the Alliance School in Tehran before entering the Veterinary School of Medicine at the University of Tehran. After earning his doctorate in 1961, he fulfilled his military service, achieving the rank of second lieutenant.

He initially established a veterinary clinic for animal treatment. However, due to the limited culture of pet ownership in Tehran at the time, the clinic faced low patronage and closed after three years. Subsequently, Dr. Sionit joined the Ministry of Agriculture, dedicating his career to therapeutic activities, particularly focusing on bovine tuberculosis. He also engaged in research at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute.

In the 1970s, Dr. Sionit began writing and translating, publishing numerous articles on animal diseases in various journals. His work garnered recognition from research centers and universities, leading to his articles being used as educational resources. In 1980, he published his first book, “Developments in Animal Husbandry and Poultry Farming.”

After authoring several books on animal and poultry diseases, Dr. Sionit turned his attention to translating and writing medical books for the general public. Recognizing a lack of accessible Persian-language resources on family health, he aimed to simplify medical knowledge for households. His first human health-focused book, “The Secret to Preventing Tooth Decay,” was published in 1985 and received significant acclaim. This success led him to establish the Elm-O-Shadi (Science and Happiness) publishing company, through which he published over 40 medical books in clear and understandable language. Notably, Elm-O-Shadi Publishing Co. was the only post-revolution publishing house in Iran licensed to a Jewish individual.

Dr. Sionit’s works became bestsellers across Iran, contributing significantly to public medical education. His books were also distributed in Persian-speaking neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, with Afghan radio and television programs featuring his writings. Over time, his publications gained attention among Iranians abroad, especially in the United States and Europe.

With technological advancements and shifts in reading habits, some of Dr. Sionit’s books have been made available in both print and electronic formats on platforms like Amazon. In 2025, a substantial number of Elm-O-Shadi’s publications were donated to the National Library of Iran to benefit students, researchers, and residents of underprivileged areas.

In 1973, Dr. Sionit married Homa from the Shamsa family. They had two children: a daughter, Mojdeh, who pursued journalism, and a son, Payam, who became a dentist.

Dr. Sionit’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his professional and research activities. He practiced what he preached, sharing his knowledge not only with family and friends but also with the broader public through his books. He believed in the importance of public education in fostering a healthier society and emphasized the role of proper upbringing in children’s lives. Dr. Sionit advocated for enjoying life at all times and maintained a positive and often humorous outlook on life’s challenges. He had no fear of death, viewing a well-lived life as one filled with purpose and usefulness. His modesty, confidence, and authority were evident to all who knew him. He lived as he wished and departed as he desired.

Dr. Manouchehr Sionit passed away on the morning of Thursday, January 16, 2025. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be cherished.

List of Published Books by Dr. Manouchehr Sionit: