Really was quite flabbergasted today to read that music has been essentially made non-existant in Iran.
“Khamenei said: Although music is halal, promoting and teaching it is not compatible with the highest values of the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic.”
Terrifying that a state is prepared to go to such lengths to attempt to control a population, especially when Persian culture has such an amazingly rich musical history much of which has been intertwined with Islam throughout that history.
See tanbur player Ostad Elahi for one insight into how religious belief and incredible music are perfect partners. Hear his playing here.
Also check out setar player Saeed Hormozi below…
Henry Corbin is another interesting figure relating to Iran and religious/philosophical/musical traditions.
David Birchall 