- Source: Parastoo Ahmadi
Parastoo Ahmadi (born 21 March 1997 in Nowshahr) is an artist and singer from Iran. Her performance of the Caravanserai Concert in one of Iranian caravanserais with optional hijab, broadcast live on her YouTube channel, garnered widespread attention.
Biography and Works
Parastoo Ahmadi graduated in film directing from Soore University. She began taking courses in solfège and voice training (in folk music and classical music) at the age of 14.
= Song: "From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland"
=During the 2022 protests in Iran, Parastoo performed the song From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland. Consequently, in October 2023, a judicial case was filed against her.
= The Air of Freedom
=In June 2023, "The Air of Freedom," a song featuring lyrics by Fatemeh Dogoharani, was released. According to Parastoo Ahmadi, the song was a tribute to the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. Three months later, she faced legal prosecution. Her summons to Tehran's Security Court and the confiscation of her personal belongings created challenges for her artistic pursuits.
= The Caravanserai Concert
=During the autumn of 2024, Parastoo Ahmadi held the "Caravanserai Concert" at a caravanserai while wearing non state-mandated attire. The live performance sparked widespread attention on social media. About her concert, she wrote:
"I, Parastoo, the girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I couldn’t overlook—singing for the land I deeply adore. Here, at this point in our beloved Iran, where history and legends intertwine, hear my voice in this imaginary concert and imagine this beautiful homeland…"
In the Caravanserai Concert, Parastoo performed pieces like "Sar Kooye Doost," "Aziz Joon," "Kamar Bareek," "Mara Bebos," "Lahze Didar," "Cheh Sazam," and "Az Khoon-e Javanane Vatan." She was accompanied by musicians Ehsan Beyraghdar on piano, Soheyl Faghih-Nasiri on guitar, Amin Taheri on drums, and Amir Ali Pirnia on bass.
Legal actions
The Iranian Judiciary announced that legal actions would be taken against Parastoo Ahmadi for performing music without a permit and not adhering to "legal and religious norms." According to Mizan News Agency, legal cases have been filed against those involved, and actions will be taken against other individuals connected to the event as well. On 14th December 2024 Ahmadi was arrested in the Mazandaran province. Two of her musicians, Ehsan Birghidar and Sohail Faqih Nasiri, are also reported to be detained. On 15th December 2024 Ahmadi's lawyer stated that she had been released after widespread outrage over her arrest.
Bankipour the MP behind Hijab and chastity supported the arrest of Ahmadi.
External links
Caravanserai Concert