Saed News: A look at the strange bans in contemporary Iranian history; from the 1980s with bans on potions and videos to today’s cultural restrictions such as women’s entry to stadiums and keeping dogs in public places. This article examines incredible laws that were once enforced in Iran and some of which still continue.
According to the Saed News social service, Iran has witnessed many strange and unusual bans throughout its contemporary history, some of which now seem laughable or unbelievable. From the ban on selling potions and banana milkshakes to cultural restrictions such as carrying musical instruments or wearing ties, these laws reflect specific periods in Iran’s social and cultural history. This article examines some of these strange bans that were once enforced in Iran, and some of which still continue today.
In the 1980s (1360s in the Iranian calendar), the sale of potions, banana milkshakes, and Olivier salad was banned in Iran due to claims of contamination and hygiene violations. This ban, apparently imposed for health reasons, was lifted some time later without any specific explanation. Although the full accuracy of this claim is not completely verified, it was referenced in the Iranian film Nahang Anbar (Amber Whale) by Saman Moghadam, indicating the cultural impact of this law at the time. Some believe the ban had other cultural or social reasons that were never officially announced.
In the early years following the 1979 revolution, owning video players and watching foreign films—especially Hollywood movies—was considered a crime. These devices were seen as tools of “cultural invasion,” and their possession in stores could even lead to arson by extremist groups. This ban lasted until 1993 (1372), when Ali Larijani, then Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, officially lifted it, marking a turning point in access to visual content in Iran.
In the early revolutionary period, men wearing short-sleeved shirts was prohibited. This law, supposedly to prevent “cultural invasion” and maintain men’s modesty, was sometimes enforced in strange ways, such as painting the hands of offenders—though this was never officially confirmed. In 2018 (1397), reports surfaced of this ban being reimposed on taxi drivers in Qazvin, showing the persistence of some cultural restrictions.
Chess was once banned because it was considered similar to gambling games like backgammon. However, after chess was recognized as a mind sport and official competitions like the Chess Olympiad were held, the ban was lifted, and chess became an official sport in Iran. This change reflects a revision of some of the strict laws of that era.
In the 1980s, music was heavily monitored, and carrying musical instruments in public or even keeping them at home without a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance was forbidden. This restriction was so severe that carrying an instrument was considered more serious than carrying drugs. These laws were part of efforts to control cultural and artistic activities during that period.
Ties and bow ties were banned due to their resemblance to the Christian cross and under the pretext of “imitating infidels” according to some clerics. This ban lasted for years until Carlos Queiroz, then coach of Iran’s national football team, broke the taboo by wearing a tie on TV. However, the restriction unofficially remains in some formal circles.
In the 1980s, wrestling matches were broadcast with low-quality visuals to obscure the tight wrestling attire. Sports like boxing, billiards, and bodybuilding were banned from television for unclear reasons. Although the wrestling broadcast ban was lifted, some sports still face broadcasting restrictions.
Using women’s images on movie posters was prohibited because displaying a woman or even a man prominently was considered “instrumentalization” or “hero worship.” This law led to casting actors and presenters with simpler appearances during that era.
Bringing dogs to public places such as parks, streets, or even cars is banned and may result in fines or confiscation of the animal. This ban, in place for many years, has made access to veterinary services difficult for pet owners. Additionally, since 2019 (1398), the import of dog and cat food has also been prohibited.
One of the most controversial bans is the prevention of women from attending stadiums to watch football matches. This restriction began after the revolution and was intensified in 2012 following incidents during a match between Iran and Japan, where women’s inappropriate dress was reported to authorities. Although limited access for women to some national games was allowed in 2019 under FIFA pressure, the ban on women attending club matches remains in place.
The strange bans in Iran—from potions and short sleeves to cultural and social restrictions—reflect attempts to control culture and public behavior during different historical periods. Some laws, like the video player or chess bans, have been repealed over time, but others, such as the ban on women in stadiums, remain contentious issues. These bans not only shaped Iran’s social history but also mirror the country’s cultural and political challenges.
