Amidst decades of political tension and, more recently, escalating conflict in the Middle East, a unique cultural bridge is being built in the heart of Berlin. Musicians from Iran and Israel, countries with historically fraught relations, are finding common ground through music, demonstrating a powerful, if fragile, possibility for connection beyond geopolitical divides. The ensemble, known as Sistanagila, isn’t aiming to solve international crises, but rather to offer a different narrative – one of shared heritage, artistic collaboration, and human understanding.
The project began roughly 15 years ago as a direct response to the increasingly hostile rhetoric emanating from Iran under then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad’s denial of the Holocaust and threats against Israel deeply troubled Babak Shafieian, an Iranian musician who had moved to Germany to pursue his studies. “That didn’t reflect my stance on Israel and the Jewish people,” Shafieian explained, “So I thought we could create something together, Iranians and Israelis, that could show that there is a sense of solidarity between the two people.” Shafieian’s inspiration too stemmed from his family’s musical background and the work of conductor Daniel Barenboim, whose West-Eastern Divan Orchestra brings together Israeli and Palestinian musicians in a similar spirit of collaboration.
A Hummus-Fueled Beginning
Shafieian’s first step was reaching out to Yuval Halpern, an Israeli musician and composer who would eventually turn into Sistanagila’s musical director. Halpern admits to initial skepticism. “I was at first a bit cautious, because usually Iranians don’t contact Israelis,” he recalled. “And I thought he might be a terrorist or somebody who wants to kidnap me.” A quick internet search alleviated those concerns, leading Halpern to agree to a meeting – at a hummus restaurant in Neukölln, a vibrant and diverse district of Berlin known for its strong Arab culture. That meeting sparked a collaboration that has grown to include musicians from both Iran and Israel, united by a shared passion for music and a desire to challenge prevailing narratives.
“It’s a project that could only happen in Berlin — not in Israel, not in Iran,” Halpern observed, highlighting the unique environment of tolerance and artistic freedom that the city provides. Berlin’s status as a cultural hub, and its history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, has made it a fertile ground for such cross-cultural initiatives. The city’s diverse musical landscape, blending traditional and contemporary styles, also provides a rich context for Sistanagila’s innovative sound.
Blending Traditions: Persian Classical, Jewish Chants, and Beyond
Sistanagila’s music is a testament to the power of cultural fusion. The ensemble’s musicians explore their musical heritage, weaving together elements of Persian classical music, Jewish chants, and Klezmer melodies. Halpern explained that they discovered significant similarities in Sephardic music, which often incorporates Arabic musical scales. “We found a lot of similarities in the Sephardic music, which has the more oriental sounds, like Arabic keys,” he said. But the band isn’t limited by tradition; individual musicians bring their own influences to the table. “Our guitar player likes heavy metal, I come from classical music, and we have jazz musicians,” Halpern added, demonstrating the eclectic range of styles that contribute to Sistanagila’s unique sound.
The band’s name itself reflects this blending of cultures. “Sistan” refers to the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan, while “Nagila” evokes the well-known Jewish song, “Hava Nagila.” This deliberate combination of names serves as a symbolic representation of the ensemble’s core mission: to bridge divides and celebrate shared humanity.
Music as a Political Statement, and a Path to Peace
While Sistanagila’s music isn’t explicitly political, its very existence is a statement. Band manager Babak Shafieian acknowledged the diverse political opinions within the group, noting that discussions are common. “There are always discussions, but luckily, in general, we are on the same page regarding the friendship of the Israeli and the Iranian people.” Halpern emphasized that the project isn’t about taking sides or making political pronouncements. “We don’t sing songs against a regime or for a country, or to say, ‘Is Israel or Iran better?’ Here’s not the focus of the project. We make music together. We want to create something beautiful together. And that’s the peace project.”
However, Halpern also recognizes the inherent political weight of the collaboration. “Of course, it is a political project and it is a statement of Israelis and Iranians working together,” he said. “That’s why this project is so important, to show that the people are not the problem. It’s the government and the politicians.” This sentiment is particularly poignant in light of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Reacting to the current tensions, Shafieian expressed concern for the Iranian people. “Now it could be more dangerous for them if they are left alone with the regime,” he said, hoping that this conflict “will also be the last.” He views Sistanagila as one of many initiatives working to foster stronger ties between Iranians and Israelis, offering a vision of a future built on understanding and cooperation.
“Sistanagila shows a perspective for the future — and hopefully for the near future — that Iranians and Israelis can be friends,” Shafieian concluded. “And that both countries can become friends and develop extensive relations.” The band is currently planning a series of concerts in Europe and hopes to expand its reach to other parts of the world, continuing to share its message of unity through the universal language of music.
Sistanagila’s next scheduled performance is at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin on November 18th, 2024. Further details and tour dates can be found on their official website: https://sistanagila.com/. What do you feel about the power of music to transcend political boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
