Activism
I was arrested over my hijab – here’s why I’m protesting
Fight for justice — As protests in Iran intensify, a young woman describes being brutalised by police at age 16 and why she’s now taking to the streets.
Written by: Jessie Williams
Iran
Culture
The record label bringing Iranian music to the world
Unsanctioned music — Hampered by US sanctions and the pandemic, it has become near impossible for Iran’s artists to introduce their music to international audiences. But 30M, a new record label in Germany, is determined to change that.
Written by: Matthew Neale
Photography
The photographer spotlighting Iran's forgotten minorities
Afro-Iranian — Many Iranians are unaware of the existence of Black Iranians, or of the chequered history behind the community's presence in the country. But a new photography project from Mahdi Ehsaei is looking to change that.
Written by: Niloufar Haidari
Film
The neo-noir taking on sex, lies & corruption in Iran
Tehran taboo — In his dark directorial debut, Tehran Taboo, Ali Soozandeh uses animation to share stories from the Iranian capital’s underbelly.
Written by: Niloufar Haidari
Surf
Shahla Yasini is leading a surf revolution in Iran
Riding a wave — In the quiet Iranian village of Ramin, a revolution is underway. At its helm is Shahla Yasini - the first Iranian woman to have surfed in the country.
Written by: Giulia Frigieri
Activism
How one woman sparked a sporting revolution in Iran
HUCK X HOKA ONE ONE — Shirin Gerami’s determination to become Iran's first female triathlete led to a win that transcends sport. Her journey is part five in our Huck x Hoka One One series, looking at mavericks who found a new perspective through running.
Written by: Sam Haddad
Culture
The opera shining a spotlight on Trump’s travel ban
Centre stage politics — After being banned from entering the US, British-Iranian composer Soosan Lolavar is taking on immigration, borders and racism with her new show ID, Please.
Written by: Briony Cartmell
Activism
Iran’s youth are kickstarting a grassroots revolution
Iranian Aliens — In the shadows of the country’s hardline regime, young liberal Iranians – now the majority of the population – are finding creative new ways to rebel.
Written by: Alex Pierce
Culture
Young people: This is your once-in-a-generation chance to change Britain
Get out there and vote! — A radically different future is within our reach today. So why be disillusioned? Take a lesson from the people of Iran: get out there and vote.
Written by: Joe Zadeh
Music
How playing heavy metal in Iran can put your life in danger
Rock in a Hard Place — Journalist and life-long heavy metal fan Orlando Crowcroft spent six years penetrating the rock and metal scenes in the Middle East, finding a new generation of rockers, rappers and metalheads who are flogged, imprisoned and exiled for writing songs that give a voice to those otherwise unheard. This is an extract from his book, Rock in a Hard Place.
Written by: Orlando Crowcroft
Film
Raving as resistance in Iran's underground party scene
Desert disco — Putting on parties in the desert thousands of kilometres from Tehranm, Anoosh Raki and Arash Shadram found freedom through music in their ultra-conservative country.
Written by: Biju Belinky