Iranian master puppeteer of traditional string puppetry, kheimeh shab bazi. Asghar Ahmadi was one of the last traditionally trained Iranian marionette performers. He began studying when he was twelve with his father and his uncle, who were the best puppeteers of their era – descendants of eminent puppet master Kaka Mohammad Shirazi.

Asghar Ahmadi devoted his life to performing and sometimes teaching this important genre. By attending festivals in Iran and internationally, he introduced kheimeh shab bazi widely, garnering appreciation for the art. He was recognized as a chekideh (a performer who has inherited the art in a family lineage). His beautiful collection of puppets was a legacy from his grandfather.

(See Iran.)