Iran, the cradle of ancient Persian civilization with thousands of years of history, boasts not only a rich cultural heritage but is also one of the birthplaces of world musical instruments. Among them, the Daf is an ancient Iranian frame drum with roots tracing back to the 6th to 5th century BCE, remaining an essential instrument in Iranian traditional music to this day.

For this event, Southern Corner has invited Mona Kaveh Ahangari, who relocated from Iran to Taiwan and is the only Daf percussionist in Taiwan. Through the resonant sounds of the Daf, she will guide us to experience both the cultural and natural landscapes of Iran.

Date & Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sousou Corner｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Instructor: Mona Kaveh Ahangari (Iranian Daf Percussionist)
This event will be led by an Iranian instructor and conducted primarily in English, supported by an interpretation system.

Diverse and Integrated Iran

Historically known as Persia, Iran is a multifaceted and captivating country marked by complex history, diverse ethnicities, and rich cultures. Beyond the official Persian language, more than 20 languages are spoken across the territory. The various peoples inhabiting the Iranian Plateau and Mesopotamia are all descendants of ancient civilizations; though they speak different languages and maintain distinct cultural traditions, they all identify as Iranian.

Since the fourth millennium BCE, this land has witnessed several glorious eras, including the Median Kingdom (678–549 BCE), the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), and the Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE). Its accomplishments in music, art, and literature continue to hold a prominent place worldwide.

The Daf: An Instrument of Equality and Solidarity

Among Iran's traditional musical instruments, the Daf is a frame drum with a history spanning thousands of years. It consists of a round wooden frame fitted with tightly stretched sheepskin, lined on the inside with a row of metal rings. Played by holding the drum with both hands and striking it with alternating movements of the palms, fingers, and wrists, it produces deep drumbeats accompanied by the jingling sound of the vibrating metal rings.

Originating approximately 1,700 years ago in the Kurdistan region of Iran, the Daf was initially used in Sufi rituals and religious music; today, it is widely embraced across both traditional and popular Iranian music.

Unlike ordinary drums, the Daf features around 250 metal rings attached to the inside of its frame. Beyond creating layered musical tones as it shakes, these rings symbolize equality and solidarity. This meaning stems from the drum's roots in Kurdish culture, where men and women alternate, hold hands, form circles, and sing and dance together. The interconnected rings inside the Daf mirror this circle of people dancing hand in hand—giving the drum not just rhythm, but the rich resonance of an ensemble.

Lecture & Concert｜An Iranian's Iran: Persian Frame Drum Lecture Concert

For this event, Southern Corner has invited Mona Kaveh Ahangari, the only Daf percussionist in Taiwan. Captivated by the instrument the very first time she heard it at age 13, she began formal training under a master during her university years and has now been playing for nearly two decades.

In 2018, she moved to Taiwan with her husband. Dedicated to introducing Iranian culture to a wider audience, she founded the MASTANEH Music Band and a Daf Ensemble, forging a distinct cross-cultural musical style. Mona believes that music transcends language and borders to bring people of diverse backgrounds together, allowing the world to hear the authentic, resonant voice of Iran.

｜Date & Location
September 12 (Sat), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sousou Corner Flagship Store｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City

｜Highlights

• Part 1: Iran Through Iranian Eyes Exploring natural landscapes and cultural history, everyday cuisine, and musical exchanges.

• Part 2: Daf Drum Performance

｜Workshop Fee
Regular price: NT$1200 per person
Early bird (before September 9): NT$980 per person / NT$1900 for two
Limited to 25 participants

｜Special Treats

• Persian Saffron Halva (Saffron Halva Paste) 
  A traditional Iranian classic known for its silky-smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Infused with premium saffron, it carries an elegant golden hue and a distinctive rich aroma—delicately sweet and never overwhelming.

• Persian Black Tea 
  A deep-amber, robust black tea traditionally served in clear glass cups (estekan), representing the heart of Iranian tea culture.