Controversy Over Concert Leads to Resignation of Qom's Culture Director

Abbas Daneshi, the Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Qom, has resigned from his position, and according to ILNA news agency, Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, has accepted his resignation. Daneshi's resignation comes 10 days after a music concert in Qom sparked outrage among several clerics in the city. Mohammad Yazdi, the head of the Supreme Council of the Society of Teachers of Qom Seminary and a senior cleric in the Islamic Republic, was one of those who reacted strongly against the concert. Yazdi stated that even street theater should not be performed in Qom. Daneshi, who is also a cleric, wrote in his resignation letter that he fully understands and respects the concerns of the esteemed religious authorities and members of the Society of Teachers of Qom Seminary, as these concerns arise from deep religious beliefs and the sanctity of the holy city of Qom and the shrine of Fatima Masumeh. This letter was published on Sunday, October 18. Daneshi, referring to what he described as the 'sorrow of these dear ones,' wrote to Jannati: 'Despite the fact that no deliberate violation of religious standards has occurred from the Culture and Islamic Guidance Office, I find it necessary to submit my resignation to allow you to manage this event and to reduce criticisms against the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the esteemed government, especially in the current sensitive situation.' While Hassan Rouhani's government claims these reactions are politically motivated, the resigned director emphasized that 'holding concerts in any form in Qom is not in the interest of the Ministry of Culture.' Daneshi stated that 'what was performed on Tuesday, October 8, was by no means a music concert,' but nonetheless, he apologized in his personal meetings and interviews following the incident. The former director of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Qom noted that 'the program was completely in line with Islamic standards in terms of form and content' and added, 'Unfortunately, after the ceremony, some women did not observe Islamic hijab, and individuals with political motives merely took photos of inappropriate scenes and provided these images to some of the esteemed religious authorities and members of the Society of Teachers.' Qom is home to the Qom Seminary, the largest jurisprudential center and gathering place for Shia religious authorities.