Culture

RFL/RE – Iran’s judicial authorities have seized the Instagram page of the popular online program Blind Date, hosted by an Iranian influencer known as Viny, as part of a sweeping crackdown on social-media content. The official announcement, made on Viny’s Instagram page, which has more than 1.2 million followers, said the action was taken by judicial order and the page …

Iranwire – Iranian security forces have detained Kurdish singer Mohammad Abbaszadeh, according to a report by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.  The 35-year-old from Ilam province was reportedly arrested upon returning from Nowruz celebrations in Shuhan city.  His current whereabouts and condition are unknown. This is not the first time Abbaszadeh has faced persecution by Iranian authorities. In October …

Iranwire – The coincidence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with the Nowruz New Year holiday has led to Iranian authorities implementing a new set of restrictions.  Even before Nowruz began, the Deputy Interior Minister threatened to take action against those who chose not to fast during the holiday despite Islamic law exempting travelers from fasting obligations. Seyed Majid …

Iranwire – As the world welcomed the arrival of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, several American and international officials extended greetings to those who celebrate the thousand-years-old festivities.  President Joe Biden offered his well wishes, saying, “Today, Jill and I send our best wishes to the millions of people around the world celebrating Nowruz – a time of reflection, renewal, …

iranwire – Iranian-American astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli celebrated Nowruz by sharing a photo of the Haftsin table she took to space on her first mission to the space station last year. She said in an Instagram post, “I brought a Haftseen with me to @iss thinking I might be there for Nowruz. It would have been unique to celebrate the Persian …

Iranwire – Faramarz Aslani, a renowned Iranian singer, songwriter, and composer, died on the evening of March 20 at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. His wife, Marjan Aslani, announced the news of his passing on her Instagram page.  In the message, she said, “On the evening of March 20, a cruel cancer took the life of …

iranintl – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will not give a speech in Mashhad on the occasion of Persian New Year’s Day (Norouz or Nowruz) – with the cited excuse that this year, the Islamic fasting month Ramadan coincides with the ancient Persian festivities. But, the cancellation of the speech – meant to have taken place at the mausoleum of …

Iranwire – Iranian authorities have confirmed that at least 14 people have died and over 3,000 others have sustained injuries during Chaharshanbe Suri, the Persian festival of fire. Jafar Miyadfar, head of Iran’s emergency organization, has said that a total of 3,253 people have been injured, with 394 individuals transported to medical centers by emergency services until Tuesday night.  Miyadfar …

Iranwire – March 10 is a significant date for the Kurdish community, as it marks the observance of “Kurdish Dress Day.”  On this day, a vibrant display of Kurdish tradition unfolds, with countless individuals proudly donning their traditional attire in workplaces and public spaces in the Kurdistan region. While the exact origins of this commemoration of traditional Kurdish clothing remain …

Iranwire – A group of Iranian artists and activists have come together in Germany to form a unique film collective called Perspective. Their goal is not only to tell stories but also to inspire critical thinking and challenge societal norms through short films on social media. Launched in September 2023, the group has already released four films tackling various social …