About this talk

Jews and Persians: two cultures known for their music and poetry. From hazzanut and klezmer to dastgah and motrebi, and from Psalms and piyyutim to ghazals and robaiyat, these two peoples have long been connected through their shared love for poetry and its musical expression. 

But what about the Jews of Iran? Was their music similar to that of other Jewish communities? Was it more Iranian or Jewish in character? Did they engage with the broader society, or were they isolated from the music and poetry around them? And what can we learn about the Jews of Iran through their music? 

In this class, we will explore these questions and more, delving into the rich musical and poetic traditions of the Jews of Iran.

About Alan

Alan Niku is a filmmaker, writer, and scholar of Mizrahi culture from San Luis Obispo, California, currently based in Los Angeles. A native speaker of Persian, he spends his time learning related Jewish languages, deciphering Judeo-Persian manuscripts, and interviewing community members about their stories. 

He is also a musician, an amateur chef, and teaches history and Jewish heritage at various levels. Through his writing and films, he seeks to educate the world about the underrepresented cultures of the Middle East.