Shajarian’s concert moved from Azadi Square to Azadi Stadium
Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said on Wednesday that a free concert by acclaimed Iranian vocalist Homayoun Shajarian will be staged at Azadi Stadium on September 5 instead of Azadi Square, following a cabinet decision.
The change of venue came after Shajarian announced on September 3 that his planned open-air performance in central Tehran had been canceled, Mehr News Agency reported.
Zakani told reporters the government had reviewed the matter and voted to host the event in the 78,000-seat stadium, which he described as a safer and more “reliable” location.
He stressed the municipality had “no role” in scrapping the earlier plan for Azadi Square.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani also weighed in, saying the administration’s stance had been clear since granting Shajarian a permit.
“Holding a concert with the presence of millions, strengthening national unity, that has been our position,” she wrote on X.
She added that Iran had once witnessed “ten-kilometer celebrations” after the war, showing that such gatherings are possible when institutions work hand in hand.
Shajarian, one of Iran’s most popular classical and fusion singers, received his permit in July for what would have been his first major outdoor performance in years.
His concerts often draw huge crowds, and officials have promoted the September 5 show as a cultural highlight in the capital.