Theme: Authenticity Unmasked

In a land where history and modernity constantly reshape one another, what does it mean to be truly authentic? Alireza Taghaboni, Award-Winning Architect and Visionary in Contemporary Design, reimagines space as a bridge between past and future. At the same time, Elnaz Najafi, Architect, Author, and Researcher of Iranian Cultural Landscapes, explores the deep ties between cultural heritage and identity. In music, authenticity finds a voice in Hossein Alizadeh, Maestro of Persian Classical Music and Innovative Composer, whose groundbreaking compositions push the boundaries of tradition while preserving its soul.

Beyond art and design, Darwin Sabouri, Cultural Sociologist Exploring Language, Identity, and National Narratives, unpacks the power of language in shaping our sense of self. At the same time, Sherwin Vakili, Historian, Sociologist, and Theorist Redefining Identity and Culture, challenges conventional narratives of belonging. In the infrastructure world, Maryam Khansari, Pioneering Construction Leader Bridging Global Expertise and Local Development proves that authenticity is as much about action as it is about expression. As we strip away the layers of expectation, TEDxTehranSalon invites you to uncover the power and responsibility of being truly yourself.

Agora Hall
E Tavakoli, Adjoudaniyeh
B
Tehran, Tehrān, 19669
Iran

Alireza Taghaboni

Award-Winning Architect and Visionary in Contemporary Design

Alireza Taghaboni is a renowned Iranian architect, professor, and author, recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary architecture. As the founder and CEO of Next Office and the Contemporary Architects Association, he has played a pivotal role in redefining Iran’s architectural landscape. His accolades include four first-place wins at the Memar Awards, the 2018 Dorfman Prize from the Royal Academy of London, and seven top awards at the World Architecture Festival (WAF). A sought-after jury member, he has judged major international competitions, including the Dorfman Prize and WAF, and has delivered keynote speeches at leading architectural institutions worldwide. His work seamlessly fuses tradition with modernity, shaping the discourse on contemporary design.

Darwin Sabouri

Cultural Sociologist Exploring Language, Identity, and National Narratives

Darwin Sabouri is a liberal Iranian sociologist based in Tehran. Beginning his academic journey in social research, Sabouri later pursued anthropology with a focus on culture and its processes. For his master’s studies, he examined the intersection of language and culture, notably investigating the role of curses in Iranian society, a concept he termed “the cursed share of language.” Sabouri’s academic contributions include teaching social theory and serving as an editor for cultural studies journals. Now an independent scholar, he believes that Iran’s future will be illuminated by embracing concepts such as “nationalism” and “national interest.

Delara Ebrahimi

Kamancheh Player and Iranian Music Researcher

Born in Isfahan in 1994, Delara Ebrahimi is a Kamancheh player and ethnomusicologist with a master’s degree from the University of Tehran. She studied Kamancheh under Hamid Khalatbari, Reza Parvizzadeh, and Amin Mirzaei, and trained in Persian classical singing with Mehdi Emami, Mojtaba Asgari, and Hengameh Akhavan. She has performed with ensembles such as Navaye Bastan, Naghmeh-Gardan, Khorshid Women’s Ensemble, and Rahavard, and contributed vocals to albums like “Yaghouloun Esfahan Majnounun Fi Tehran.” Currently, her focus is on teaching Persian vocal music and authoring a book on classical Iranian singing.

Diana Valizadeh

Classical Flutist and Promising Young Musician

Diana Valizadeh is a rising flutist and graduate of Tehran’s Music Conservatory, specializing in Western classical music. She has studied under renowned flutists such as Naser Rahimi, Ali Choupani, Aslıhan And, and Bülent Evcil, and has participated in international masterclasses in Turkey and Iran. In addition to her primary instrument, Dayana has studied piano, harmony, counterpoint, composition, and vocal techniques under distinguished Iranian musicians. She has performed in leading venues such as Vahdat Hall, Rudaki Hall, and Arasbaran Cultural Center, and is a member of the Tonal Choir led by Milad Omranloo. Her accolades include first prize at the Farda Arts Festival and honors at the National Arts Olympiad.

Elnaz Najafi

Architect, Author, and Researcher of Iranian Cultural Landscapes

Elnaz Najafi, a Tehran-born architect and researcher, holds advanced degrees in architecture from Shahid Beheshti University. While pursuing a professional career in design, her passion for cultural studies led her to focus on the “Cultural Landscape of Iran,” resulting in the acclaimed book “Where is Iran? Who are Iranians?” Beyond architecture, Najafi has deeply explored the concept of “Iranian Aesthetic Sensibility,” culminating in her recent publication, “Salt Treatise: Essays on Iranian Aesthetic Sensibility,” which examines the harmonious underpinnings of Iranian arts, traditions, and crafts.

Hossein Alizadeh

Maestro of Persian Classical Music and Innovative Composer

Hossein Alizadeh is one of the most influential figures in Persian classical music, known for his mastery of Tar and Setar and his innovative compositions. He studied the Radif, the classical Persian repertoire, under masters such as Houshang Zarif, Ali Akbar Shahnazi, and NurAli Borumand, later recording the entire Radif based on Mirza Abdullah’s interpretation. Alizadeh holds a BA in Music Composition from the University of Tehran and pursued advanced studies in Composition and Musicology at Berlin University. He has founded renowned ensembles like Aref and Hamavayan, pioneering new directions in Persian music. His works, including Ney Nava, Raz-o-Niaz, Delshodegan, and Endless Vision, have gained international acclaim, with Endless Vision nominated for Best World Music Album at the 2006 Grammy Awards. With performances across Iran, North America, Europe, and Asia, Alizadeh continues to shape the global perception of Persian classical music.

Jina Qolami

Young Flutist and Rising Star in Iran’s Classical Music Scene

Born in Paris in 2007, Jina Qolami is a gifted flutist and student at Tehran Girls’ Music Conservatory. She began her musical journey at age four with Orff training and has studied flute for 12 years under Naser Rahimi, Asal Hanachi, Bahareh Behzad, and Mahsima Fallahi. Jina has performed at Vahdat Hall, Rudaki Hall, and the Fajr Music Festival and has taught Orff privately and in groups for four years. She has collaborated with ensembles like the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and Peace Key Orchestra and participated in festivals and university recitals. Her talent has been recognized with top prizes in national ensemble and arts competitions.

Maryam Khansari

Pioneering Construction Leader Bridging Global Expertise and Local Development

Maryam Khansari is a trailblazer in Iran’s infrastructure development, with over two decades of experience in the construction industry, playing a pivotal role in Herison Construction Company and the Syndicate of Construction Companies of Iran. She has been instrumental in improving industry standards, fostering international collaborations, and empowering the next generation of managers. Committed to sustainable development and women’s leadership in construction, Khansari is one of the few Iranian speakers frequently invited to renowned global economic and infrastructure forums, where she advocates for improving industry standards, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainable development. She believes in bridging global expertise with local needs and states that "commitment to change from within paves the way for a sustainable future.

Sherwin Vakili

Historian, Sociologist, and Theorist Redefining Identity and Culture

Sherwin Vakili is a writer, historian, sociologist, and systems theorist with a passion for exploring identity, culture, and complex systems. As the director of the Historical Sociology Group within the Iranian Sociological Association, he has authored numerous works that blend insights from biology, sociology, and mythology. Vakili is an advocate for evolutionary education and has played a key role in founding non-governmental organizations, engaging in public discourse, and promoting unity among Iran’s diverse cultural groups. His work centers on the belief that redefining the Iranian self can help address the region’s historical challenges.