{
  "id": 12647784,
  "title": "Why music in Iran is more than just entertainment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/why-music-in-iran-is-more-than-just-entertainment",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T14:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/why-music-in-iran-is-more-than-just-entertainment/a-79583224?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Following Iran's 1979 revolution, music was deemed harmful to society and was banned. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for its complete eradication, describing it as a \"betrayal of the country\" and a \"betrayal of the youth.\" However, a resurgence of music occurred during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), with revolutionary and religious songs being composed to bolster national pride and unity.\n\nSince then, the Iranian government has maintained a tense relationship with the music industry. Musical instruments were once forbidden on television, and musicians were cautious about carrying them in public due to potential repercussions. The emergence of domestic pop music as a counterpoint to Western influences further intensified the government's scrutiny.\n\nIn recent years, social media has played a significant role in shaping Iran's music scene, especially among younger generations. Contrary to traditional views, young women in Iran are increasingly playing musical instruments publicly, even without headscarves. This shift has given rise to new forms of protest at funerals of those killed during mass protests. Instead of traditional religious hymns, mourners have turned to music, creating a stark contrast to Iran's long-standing religious mourning rituals. Music has become a powerful tool for expression and dissent within the country.",
  "summary": "Iranian authorities are trying to persuade prominent singers in exile to return home. While the state seeks to harness music as a political tool, music has also become a powerful expression of dissent and resistance.",
  "key_points": [
    "Music banned post-1979 revolution, deemed harmful to society",
    "Resurgence during Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) with revolutionary songs",
    "Social media empowers younger women to play instruments publicly"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Why music in Iran is more than just entertainment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/why-music-in-iran-is-more-than-just-entertainment-12654240",
        "published": "2026-10-07T14:58:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}