1931, confidental Iranian Foreign Ministry document ordered a ban on Arabic songs in Ahwaz cities

1931, confidental Iranian Foreign Ministry document ordered a ban on Arabic songs in Ahwaz cities — fearing music would fuel Arab national pride

Translation

"To the Esteemed Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In the cities of Mohammerah, Abbadan, and Nāsirī (the capital of Ahwaz), it has been observed that most coffeehouses equipped with phonographs play Arabic records and compositions. These songs have a particular influence on the morale of the population there, who are predominantly Arab, and they strengthen their sense of national belonging. This matter has gone unnoticed by most people.

Since a direct ban on their use would have adverse effects, I suggest that you instruct the Ministry of Customs to prohibit the import of non-Persian music records. In cases where prohibition is not possible, impose heavy customs duties on non-Persian records so that people cannot afford them and will abandon them entirely. Only instrumental records with no lyrics may be exempted, so that the public becomes accustomed solely to Persian records.

In Basra (IRAQ) , despite the large number of Iranians there, Persian records are not used. If a Persian coffeehouse owner plays a Persian record, the customers protest and disperse, because such national feelings have not yet been instilled among the Iranian people.

State officers must closely monitor these matters so that the public becomes aware of its national duties and learns the meaning of love for the homeland"

Source: Archives and National Library of Iran — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1931