Presenting the World Premiere of

“THE ANCIENT FORTRESS: IRAN”

قلعه پیر ایران

by the grande dame of Iranian Folk Music

Sima Bina

Produced by Mehrdad Arabifard

Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 - 11AM

Exclusively for Farhang Performances

Experience the mesmerizing world premiere of THE ANCIENT FORTRESS قلعه پیر ایران, the latest single by the legendary Iranian vocalist and grande dame of Iranian folk music, SIMA BINA. Filmed on the breathtaking shores of the Persian Gulf at Bushehr, this evocative music video captures Bina’s timeless voice and artistry, blending the spirit of Iran’s regional folk traditions with a contemporary visual and emotional depth.

"This song tells the tale of young heroes who, for centuries, fought to protect their ancient fortress, Iran.
Iran is the fortress of our ancestors, vast and full of stories, embracing all its children, no matter their beliefs.
This wise and ageless land keeps watch over its youth, those who, from millennia past to today, have given their lives to guard its soil, its name, and its language. May this ancient stronghold and its eternal legacy endure forever, lighting the path for generations to come.

Sima Bina

Producer: Mehrdad Arabifard
Arrangement: Sima Bina
Director: Sam Javadi
Mix and Mastering: Hamed Poursaee
 

About Sima Bina

Sima Bina is an iconic figure in Iranian folk music, widely regarded as the only artist of her generation who discovered and revived many forgotten melodies, inspiring generations of musicians and preserving an essential part of Iran’s cultural heritage.

Born on December 23, 1945, in Khorasan, Iran, Sima Bina is considered the grande dame of Iranian folk music, a songwriter, and researcher. She is celebrated for her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Iranian folk music and culture.

Bina’s passion for folk music began in childhood, shaped by the traditional melodies and rhythms that surrounded her upbringing. She started singing at an early age and soon became fascinated by the diverse musical expressions found in Iran’s many regions.

Her professional career began in the 1960s, when she started performing publicly and recording albums. Her distinctive voice and authentic interpretations of regional songs quickly earned her recognition both in Iran and internationally.

Throughout her career, Bina has traveled extensively across Iran, collecting and documenting folk songs directly from local musicians—an ambitious and groundbreaking effort that preserved countless melodies from extinction. Her repertoire spans a wide range of ethnic and regional traditions, from Kurdish lullabies to Baluchi ballads, each performed with deep respect and scholarly insight.

Beyond performance, Bina is also a dedicated educator and musicologist. She has published research on Iranian folk traditions and has lectured at cultural institutions and universities around the world, becoming a bridge between Iran’s oral traditions and global academic communities.

Her influence reaches far beyond her own work. Sima Bina has mentored and inspired many musicians across generations, playing a vital role in the revival and renewed appreciation of Iranian traditional music.

Despite the cultural restrictions placed on women in post-revolutionary Iran, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, Bina showed extraordinary resilience. At a time when public performances by women were severely limited, she organized music workshops and quietly taught traditional music to Iranian women, often in private and at personal risk. These efforts not only safeguarded a fading musical heritage but also empowered a new generation of women to find their voice through music.

Sima Bina’s legacy is one of cultural preservation, artistic excellence, and quiet resistance, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend political and social barriers.

Despite facing challenges and restrictions in her homeland, Bina has remained steadfast in her commitment to preserving and promoting Persian folk music. Her contributions to Iranian cultural heritage have earned her numerous accolades and awards, solidifying her legacy as one of Iran's most beloved folk singers and cultural ambassadors.

Discover Sima Bina