Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Del-Awaz and Azad University Deny; Shajarian Not Set to Sing for Rafsanjani

Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 3 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Reports claiming that Mohammad Reza Shajarian was commissioned to create a composition in honor of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani have been denied by both Azad University and the Del-Awaz institute. This denial highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Shajarian's artistic freedom and his past political stances. The situation reflects broader issues of censorship and the role of art in Iranian society.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The denial of Shajarian's commission reflects broader issues of censorship and the precarious state of artistic freedom in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Mohammad Reza Shajarian MENTIONED
Master of traditional Iranian singing
"Shajarian is a prominent cultural figure in Iran, known for his contributions to Persian music and his political activism."
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani MENTIONED
Former President of Iran
"Rafsanjani was a significant political figure, and his legacy continues to influence Iranian politics and culture."
Taha Hashemi MENTIONED
Cultural deputy of Azad University
"His statements reflect the official stance of an important educational institution in Iran regarding cultural matters."
Del-Awaz Institute MENTIONED
Artistic institute and distributor of Shajarian's works
"They play a crucial role in promoting and distributing Iranian music, particularly Shajarian's work."
Tadbir 24 MENTIONED
News outlet
"This outlet supports the current government and shapes public perception of cultural events."

📰 What Happened

Reports that Mohammad Reza Shajarian was commissioned to create a composition in honor of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani were denied by both Azad University and the Del-Awaz institute. This denial underscores ongoing tensions regarding Shajarian's artistic freedom and political history.

  • Azad University and Del-Awaz Institute both refuted claims of a commissioned work by Shajarian.
  • Shajarian has faced restrictions on his performances in Iran due to his political stance.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in Iran and reflects the tensions between cultural expression and political authority.
🌍 Regional: It may influence how other countries in the region view Iran's cultural policies and political climate.
🌐 International: International observers may see this as an example of Iran's repression of dissenting voices in the arts.

📚 Background

Iranian artists often face restrictions based on their political views, particularly those who have supported movements like the Green Movement. Shajarian's past activism has made him a controversial figure.

Censorship in Iran The Green Movement
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article presents statements from multiple sources, providing a balanced view of the situation.

The cultural deputy of Azad University has denied reports about a commissioned composition in praise of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to Mohammad Reza Shajarian, and the Del-Awaz artistic institute has also refuted such news. Taha Hashemi, the cultural deputy of Azad University, stated on Sunday, September 1, to Iskanews that the news of such a commission to Mohammad Reza Shajarian by Azad University is 'utterly false' and added, 'There has been no negotiation with Mr. Shajarian on this matter, nor does Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani need such a thing.' Taha Hashemi emphasized that 'if we wanted to do such a thing, we would not need to do it secretly and would definitely make it public.' The Iranian Music website also quoted the public relations of the Del-Awaz institute, which is the exclusive distributor of Mr. Shajarian's works, denying such news. Previously, the website Tadbir 24, which introduces itself as 'a media of hope and moderation' and supports Hassan Rouhani's government, claimed that Mohammad Reza Shajarian 'is preparing a magnificent composition with themes and content about the services and efforts of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani.' This news site added through its correspondent: 'This musical work, which began some time ago at the request of the cultural deputy of Azad University, was initially mentioned at a commemoration of Hafez held at this educational institution.' Tadbir 24 claimed that 'Master Shajarian, after receiving this proposal, initially humbly cited not having the right conditions for singing and age-related issues with his voice as excuses for not accepting this proposal, but later, with explanations about the importance of this matter and the allocation of a budget befitting the master of Iranian singing, this proposal was put on the agenda for review and planning for preparing a suitable song by him.' Mohammad Reza Shajarian, a master of traditional Iranian singing, has been deprived of holding concerts in Iran in recent years following his positions in support of the Green Movement. In this context, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture stated: 'There is no problem with Shajarian's travel to the country.' Shajarian responded: 'I am not allowed to sing for my people and in my own country.' The fate of Yas, Yani, and Shajarian; 'There are no bans on work in the Ministry of Culture.' The spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture explained: 'Restrictions have been imposed on Shajarian's concerts.' The spokesperson clarified: 'Shajarian does not need to apologize.' The secretary of the Music House asked: 'For what should Shajarian apologize?'

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →