The return of artists to Iran as a political tool

The return of artists to Iran as a political tool

Report by Shabnam Pounehyan

Bijan Mortazavi, an Iranian musician, has returned to his homeland after living abroad for 47 years. Mortazavi is one of the most famous Iranian violinists, singers, and composers. In July 2026, with his famous white violin, he performed with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the World Cup closing ceremony.

In videos recently published by him and his wife on social media, the couple can be seen walking the streets of Tehran. Passersby greet this musician with happy faces and welcome him.

Iranian singer Mohsen Namjoo also returned to Iran after living in exile for about 20 years. This singer, internationally known for his Iranian experimental music, combines traditional Iranian poetry and romantic lyrics with elements of blues, rock, jazz, and folk music. In 2009, Namjoo was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison by a Tehran court. Among the charges against him were insulting Jerusalem and mocking Quranic verses. In a video, he stated that the reason for his return to Iran was the desire to spend more time with his family and friends.

Abbas Salehi, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, announced on Thursday, the fifth of Shahrivar, in an interview with Farhikhtegan newspaper, that the ministry under his management has prepared a list of names of more than 100 famous Iranians living abroad, and the purpose of this action is to remove obstacles to their travel or return to Iran.