Zahra Alipour

Zahra Alipour is an Iranian journalist based in Paris who focuses on cultural affairs. She has reported for several leading Iranian media outlets.

Iran Pulse | Mar 19, 2019

Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire

As Iranians uphold both religious values and national traditions, the Islamic Republic is beginning to recognize the once-rebuffed ancient Festival of Fire.

A woman dances with men during the "Chaharshanbeh Soori" festival in Tehran March 18, 2008. People jump over fire during the festival to burn away the year's sins on the last Tuesday night before the new year. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN) - GM1E43J07KQ01

Iran Pulse | Mar 11, 2019

Do clothes make the woman? An Iranian artist's search for identity

The works of Mona Hakimi-Schueler, an Iranian artist based in Berlin, depicts Iranian women not as victims but strong individuals whether in a hijab, summer dress or armor.

Iran Pulse | Nov 15, 2018

Who scored when Iran hand-selected women for historic soccer audience?

For some Iranians, the visible female audience at a recent soccer match at Tehran's Azadi stadium was a meaningful win in a long war over allowing women to attend public soccer matches, but others are frustrated at what they consider a publicity stunt.

TEHRAN, IRAN - NOVEMBER 10: fans of Persepolis looks on during the AFC Champions League final second leg match between Persepolis and Kashima Antlers at Azadi Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Amin M. Jamali/Getty Images)

Iran Pulse | Jul 21, 2018

Violence against women at center of debate on landmark bill in Iran

A landmark bill to expand the legal definition of violence against women remains stalled amid objections from the Iranian judiciary.

Iranian MPs are seen during a meeting of the Iranian parliament for the impeachment of the Minister of Labor on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

Iran Pulse | Jun 28, 2018

Child abuse case brings outrage, but no change in Iran

Just a month after a high-profile child molestation case shook Iran, the outrage has died down and very little is being done to prevent future abuse.

Tehran skyline as seen from Iran's interior ministry in Tehran, October 24, 2016. Picture taken on October 24, 2016. REUTERS/Gabriela Baczynska - S1AEUJFKZHAB

Iran Pulse | Mar 15, 2018

IRGC funding for cinema stirs debate in Iran

Financial support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps becomes a heated topic in Iran’s cinema community.

A worker cleans a sidewalk in front of a local cinema in central Tehran January 16, 2016. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - GF20000096748

Iran Pulse | Feb 9, 2018

Iranian women steadfast in campaign to attend soccer matches

Despite crackdowns and unfulfilled promises by politicians, female soccer fans in Iran continue to protest — and to cross-dress — in their efforts to attend matches at stadiums.

Iran Pulse | Feb 9, 2018

Iranian graffitists feel walled in

The life of a graffiti artist's work can be as short as an hour in Iran, where municipalities wage a determined war on underground street artworks, unless the cities commission the wall paintings.

Iran Pulse | Jan 18, 2018

Iranian directors see little respite despite support for Rouhani

Despite their support for moderate President Hassan Rouhani, Iranian film directors remain under the same kind of pressure from the authorities they faced during earlier administrations.