Iran celebrates ancient fire festival ahead of Persian New Year as tensions with US loom
I've worked for The Associated Press as a photographer since 1999. A lot of what I cover involves either Iran's government or its relations with the West, but I also try to shoot on the streets of Tehran as well to show the world what life looks like here in my hometown.
The fire festival offers a great opportunity for that.
Known as 'Chaharshanbe Souri' in Farsi, the festival comes in the hours just before the Wednesday before Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year.
To celebrate, people light bonfires, set off fireworks and send wish lanterns floating off into the night sky. Others jump over and around fires, chanting 'My yellow is yours, your red is mine,' invoking the replacement of ills with warmth and energy.
The fire festival also features an Iranian version of trick-or-treating, with people going door to door and being given a holiday mix of nuts and berries, as well as buckets of water.
It's not necessarily an easy assignment though. Here in Iran, some people remain sensitive about having their photograph taken, particularly women who aren't wearing Iran's mandatory headscarf, or hijab.
Meanwhile, the joy sometimes overcomes safety concerns as smoke fills the air and fireworks explode at random overhead. There are injuries every year and sometimes deaths. I ended up having a piece of a burning firecracker land inside my left shoe. I'm OK — it just burned a hole through my sock and left a small blister.
I used a flash for some of my photos to capture people jumping through the fire, given their speed and the low light available. One picture my photo editors especially liked shows a man holding a lit firework, his face silhouetted by its bright light. Behind him, you can see the empty branches of trees in the park I shot in.
Nowruz marks the start of spring. Soon, leaves will sprout again.
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NBC News
an hour ago
- NBC News
Iranian rapper Tataloo once supported a hard-line presidential candidate. Now he faces execution
The tattoos covering Iranian rapper Tataloo's face stand out against the gray prison uniform the 37-year-old now wears as he awaits execution, his own rise and fall tracing the chaos of the last decade of Iranian politics. Tataloo, whose full name is Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, faces a death sentence after being convicted on charges of 'insulting Islamic sanctities.' It's a far cry from when he once supported a hard-line Iranian presidential candidate. Tataloo's music became popular among the Islamic Republic's youth, as it challenged Iran's theocracy at a time when opposition to the country's government was splintered and largely leaderless. The rapper's lyrics became increasingly political after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent wave of nationwide protests. He also appeared in music videos which criticized the authorities. 'When you show your face in a music video, you are saying, 'Hey, I'm here, and I don't care about your restrictions,'' said Ali Hamedani, a former BBC journalist who interviewed the rapper in 2005. 'That was brave.' The Iranian Supreme Court last month upheld his death sentence. 'This ruling has now been confirmed and is ready for execution,' judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir told reporters at a press conference last month. Activists have decried his looming execution and expressed concern for his safety after he reportedly tried to kill himself in prison. Tataloo began his music career in 2003 as part of an underground genre of Iranian music that combines Western styles of rap, rhythm-and-blues and rock with Farsi lyrics. His first album, released in 2011, polarized audiences, though he never played publicly in Iran, where its Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance controls all concerts. Tataloo appeared in a 2015 music video backing Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and Tehran's nuclear program, which long has been targeted by the West over fears it could allow the Islamic Republic to develop an atomic bomb. While he never discussed the motivation behind this, it appeared that the rapper had hoped to win favor with the theocracy or perhaps have a travel ban against him lifted. In the video for 'Energy Hasteei,' or 'Nuclear Energy,' Tataloo sings a power ballad in front of rifle-wielding guardsmen and later aboard the Iranian frigate Damavand in the Caspian Sea. The ship later sank during a storm in 2018. 'This is our absolute right: To have an armed Persian Gulf,' Tataloo sang. Tataloo even issued an endorsement for hard-liner Ebrahim Raisi in 2017. That year, the two sat for a televised appearance as part of Raisi's failed presidential campaign against the relative moderate Hassan Rouhani. Raisi later won the presidency in 2021, but was killed in a helicopter crash in 2024. Fame in Turkey, prison back in Iran In 2018, Tataloo — who faced legal problems in Iran — was allowed to leave the country for Turkey, where many Persian singers and performers stage lucrative concerts. Tataloo hosted live video sessions as he rose to fame on social media, where he became well-known for his tattoos covering his face and body. Among them are an Iranian flag and an image of his mother next to a key and heart. Instagram deactivated his account in 2020 after he called for underage girls to join his 'team' for sex. He also acknowledged taking drugs. 'Despite being a controversial rapper, Tataloo has quite the fanbase in Iran, known as 'Tatalities,'' said Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near-East Policy. 'Over the years, they've flooded social media with messages of solidarity for him and even campaigned for the rapper's release in the past when he was detained on separate charges.' Tataloo's rebellious music struck a chord with disenfranchised young people in Iran as they struggled to find work, get married and start their adult lives. He also increasingly challenged Iran's theocracy in his lyrics, particularly after the death of Amini following her arrest over allegedly not wearing the hijab to the liking of authorities. His collaboration 'Enghelab Solh' — 'Peace Revolution' in Farsi — called out Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by name. 'We don't want tear gas, because there are tears in everyone's eyes,' he rapped. But the music stopped for Tataloo in late 2023. He was deported from Turkey after his passport had expired, and was immediately taken into custody upon arrival to Iran. Death sentence draws protests Tehran's Criminal Court initially handed Tataloo a five-year sentence for blasphemy. Iran's Supreme Court threw out the decision and sent his case to another court, which sentenced him to death in January. The rapper already faced ten years in prison for a string of separate convictions, including promoting prostitution and moral corruption. 'Tataloo is at serious risk of execution,' Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of advocacy group Iran Human Rights, said in a statement. 'The international community, artists and the public must act to stop his execution.' Tataloo earlier expressed remorse at a trial. 'I have certainly made mistakes, and many of my actions were wrong,' he said, according to the state-owned Jam-e Jam daily newspaper. 'I apologize for the mistakes I made.' Tataloo married while on death row, his uncle said. Last month, Tataloo reportedly attempted to kill himself, but survived. His death sentence comes at a politically fraught moment for Iran as the country is at it's 'most isolated,' said Abbas Milani, an Iran expert at Stanford University. The Islamic Republic is 'desperately trying to see whether it can arrive at a deal with the U.S. on its nuclear program and have the sanctions lifted,' he said. Drawing the ire of Tataloo's fans is 'one headache they don't need,' he added.
Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
10 oldest restaurants in Dubai from Barasti to Fibber Magee's
While this city and its restaurants are known as some of the most modern in the world, the oldest restaurants in Dubai are not to be overlooked. If you've been here since the 80s and 90s you've seen this city evolve like no one else. And while new restaurants swing their doors open regularly each month, it's sometimes hard to keep up. That's why visiting (or revisiting) one of the city's absolute mainstays is always reassuring. Who doesn't love a little dose of nostalgia? From iconic eateries that have preserved their flavours to legendary bars that have witnessed Dubai's transformation. Here are the 10 oldest restaurants and bars in Dubai. Oldest restaurants and bars in Dubai Al Ustad Special Kabab The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Al Ustad Special Kabab. Credit: Al Ustad Special Kebab, a renowned Iranian kebab house on Mankhool Street in Bur Dubai, has been a local favourite since its opening in 1978. Celebrated for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, it is one of Dubai's oldest restaurants and continues to impress with its flavourful skewers. The family-run eatery, led by three brothers, is also known for its very funky interiors, featuring over 8,000 photos and memorabilia of celebrities and Dubai royalty. A highlight is the 'Special Kebab', marinated for hours and served with Iranian-style rice. Al Ustad offers authentic Iranian kebabs at affordable prices, making it a must-visit 46 years on. Open Sat-Thu 11am-1pm, Fri 6pm-1am. Al Mussallah Road, Deira (04 397 1933) Barasti The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Barasti. Opening in its original form in 1995, Barasti is the city's original beach club, bar and pub, all in one. And it's still one of the most popular. Though when it opened Barasti was far from the sprawling venue it is today; back in the 90s, it was a swimming pool beside the beach with a hut where live musicians would play acoustic sets by the sunset. Today, the beach bar is open every day and attracts people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a laid-back bar to wear your flip-flops (or heels), Barasti is your go-to. Open daily from 9am-2am. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road (04 318 1313). Bu Qtair The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bu Qtair. Bu Qtair, to the uninitiated, may not look like a must-visit dining destination in Dubai but looks can be deceiving. Glitz and glamour are certainly off the menu at this fairly basic eatery, but turn up for a bite to eat and you will join a lengthy queue full of hungry hordes who know all about Bu Qtair's reputation for seafood excellence. The price depends on the type of fish and how much your order is, but satisfaction is pretty much guaranteed to follow, regardless of what you get. The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked. Open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130). Boardwalk The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Boardwalk. One spot that's been around for decades is Boardwalk. At 30 years old, it has certainly aged well since opening its doors in 1994. With epic views over Dubai Creek and a food menu that still draws in crowds, if you haven't been yet, you need to add this to your list. The Mediterranean-themed menu is vast, including everything from fresh pizzas to an extensive fresh fish and seafood selection set out to reflect markets of the Med, which you can pick and have made to your preference. With an extensive grape menu and vantage point for some of the best sunsets in Dubai, this is one of the city's most famous restaurants for good reason. Open daily from 12pm-12am. Dubai Creek Resort, Deira (04 205 4647). Fibber Magee's The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Fibber Magee's. Throwing open its doors back in 1996, this Irish pub has always prided itself on its authenticity. Though the bar touts itself as 'Dubai's best-kept secret' we don't know many people who haven't stepped through the doors here for the last 28 years at least once. With a simple, no-fuss menu (including hearty pies and stews), plus a variety of hops on draft, this is your go-to for a friendly night out – or great breakfast. Open daily from 8am-3am. Saeed Tower I, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400). Golden Dragon The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Golden Dragon. Another blast from the very long-ago past. Founded in 1976, Golden Dragon in Oud Metha was the UAE's first-ever Chinese restaurant. Known for its Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, the restaurant's extensive menu also embraces a range of Asian influences from Malaysia to Thailand. Golden Dragon is especially celebrated for its dim sum and wok-tossed dishes. And 48 years later, it is a hot spot for Chinese food-lovers in the old-school neighbourhood. Open Mon-Sat from noon-midnight, Sun noon-11pm. Oud Metha Building, Umm Hurrair (04 357 7022). Miyako The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Miyako. Opening its doors in 1987, Miyako is seen as one of Dubai's first Japanese restaurants. Sticking to its strict code of serving only Japanese cuisine, not diluting its menu with other Asian dishes and employing Japanese staff, Miyako is the place to check out if you want something super authentic. Although relatively small, this ambient, serene eatery feels open and expansive, yet intimate and warm at the same time. And while there's beauty aplenty in the decor, it's the food that underlines Miyako's brilliance 37 years later. Open daily from 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira (04 209 6912) Ravi The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Ravi Restaurant. This Pakistani restaurant is definitely a Dubai institution. The unassuming eatery, which has been open for 46 years now, may lack the glamour of newer dining destinations in this city, but here you will find excellent food that will transport your taste buds from the middle of Satwa to the dusty streets of Lahore. Thanks to its rich and flavour-packed affordable curries, dhals, biryanis and much more, Ravi has been right at the top of the Dubai food chain since 1978. Long may it reign. Open daily from 5am-2am. Satwa, Dubai (055 334 5481). Sind Punjab Founded in 1977, Sind Punjab is a well-known (and well-loved) Indian Mughlai restaurant in Dubai. It is one of the best spots in Deira for butter chicken, chicken tikka and amazing street-side snacks like paani puri and sev puri. Sind Punjab initially opened 47 years ago in Bur Dubai and now has branches in Karama and Dubai Internet City. Definitely worth checking out for a little bit of nostalgia and positive energy. Open daily from 8am-1.30am. Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (04 352 5058) The Irish Village The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: The Irish Village Nestled under the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium, this sprawling pub was opened in 1996 to feed and water sports fans. 28 years later, this venue is still serving up good vibes year-round and not just to those watching the tennis. Known for its large garden, this is a crowd-pleasing venue that has a loyal (if not cult) following, so much so that it has its own gift shop. Open daily from 11am-2am. Garhoud (04 282 4750). Need a reservation in the meantime? New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try 12 underrated Dubai restaurants and cafés (that are not tourist traps) Places Dubai locals swear by 25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now Tried, tested and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
The Simpsons composer who wrote show's music for 27 years dies
Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who scored "The Simpsons" for 27 years, has tragically died after struggling with Parkinson's Disease for about a decade Alf Clausen, an Emmy-winning composer celebrated for orchestrating the mischievous backdrop tunes that defined 'The Simpsons ' for 27 years, has passed away. According to his daughter Kaarin Clausen, who spoke to The Associated Press, Alf Clausen died on Thursday at his Los Angeles residence following a prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease that spanned roughly ten years; he was 84. Clausen, whose credits include scoring other TV series such as "Moonlighting" and "Alf" (to which he would often quip "no relation,"), garnered an impressive 30 Emmy Award nominations during his career, 21 of those for his work on "The Simpsons," bagging two wins. Al Jean, a longstanding writer on The Simpsons since the early days and a prominent creative force in the show during the 1990s, expressed on X Friday, "Clausen was an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons." While Danny Elfman is the mastermind behind the iconic theme tune, Clausen came aboard Matt Groening's Fox animated series in 1990, and went on to compose close to 600 pieces, driving the 35-piece orchestra in-studio to bring them to life until 2017. His colleagues always praised his compositions as vital to the series' comedic charm, yet Clausen had a firm belief that the best way to enhance the hilarity of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa's capers was by playing it straight with the music, reports the Mirror US. Matt Groening, in an interview back in 1996, commended Clausen as "one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show." Hailing from Minneapolis and brought up in Jamestown, North Dakota, Clausen's musical journey led him to graduate from Berklee College of Music in 1966 before venturing to Los Angeles with aspirations of forging a music career. Throughout the '70s, he served as a musical director on numerous TV variety shows including "Donny and Marie." Later, he worked with composer Lee Holdridge as an orchestrator on scores for 1980s films such as "Splash" and "The Beastmaster." When "Moonlighting," the charming detective series from ABC featuring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd came along in the late '80s, it was Lee Holdridge who landed the composing role initially but eventually handed it over to Clausen, earning him six Emmy nods for his compositions. Notably, Clausen bagged two Emmys for his work on "The Simpsons" in 1997 and 1998, in addition to securing five Annie Awards valuable within the realm of animated television and film. His departure from "The Simpsons" in 2017 was due to budget cuts, prompting dismay among his collaborators and fans alike; Clausen took legal action against the dismissal. Clausen's legacy endures through his beloved wife Sally, their children Kaarin, Scott, and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, along with eleven grandchildren.
