Iran
I claimed asylum on religious grounds - this is not a "loophole"
Escaping religious persecution in Iran seeking refuge became an urgent necessity for survival for Ali and his family.
Written by: Ali D
“My torturers tried to silence me, but art gave me back my voice”
How therapy, writing and art helped Nasrin Parvaz find meaning and salvation after her imprisonment and abuse by the Iranian regime.
Written by: Nasrin Parvaz
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
A bustling portrait of Iran on the brink of revolution
Before the storm — Photographer Janine Wiedel recalls travelling to Iran in 1976 to capture everyday life there, two years before the stirrings of the Iranian Revolution began and would irrecovably change the country.
Written by: Chloé Meley
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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