Why music in Iran is more than just entertainment

After spending 47 years abroad, Iranian musician Bijan Mortazavi returned to his homeland at the end of September.

Mortazavi is one of Iran's most renowned violinists, singers, and composers.

In July 2026, he performed with his famous white violin at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup alongside the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

In the videos that he and his wife have now posted on social media, the couple can be seen taking walks through the city of the Iranian capital, Tehran, while passersby greet the musician warmly and welcome him.

Singer Mohsen Namjoo also recently returned to Iran after about 20 years in exile.

Internationally renowned for his experimental Persian music, he blends traditional Persian singing and poetic lyrics with elements of blues, rock, jazz and folk.

In 2009, a court in Tehran sentenced Namjoo in absentia to five years in prison.

He was accused of insulting holy sites and mocking verses from the Quran, among other things.