Iranian Ethnicity In 2025 And How It's Changed

 Nadene Goldfoot                                                 

Iran, a nation known as Persia until 1935, is a rich tapestry of cultures, and its various regions showcase the vibrant differences in lifestyles, customs, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in everything from clothing and cuisine to music and language.                               

Prior to the 1979 Iranian revolution; with an Ayatolah, Iranian women experienced a period of social and cultural change influenced by the Shah's modernization efforts. While some women embraced Western-style clothing and social freedoms, others maintained traditional practices and beliefs. The revolution brought significant changes, including the mandatory hijab and a shift in women's rights. 

Protest outside the US embassy in Tehran in 1979: Revolutionary students took dozens of US embassy staff hostage while thousands of anti-US demonstrators surrounded the compound.

The country was not allowed to mix as the USA became.  The USA does have a Chinatown, but also Chinese can be found in other sectors.                             

• 1. Persians (Fars), native people: Forming the majority of Iran's population (estimated at 61%), they are centered in major urban areas like Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Yazd, and Shiraz. Persian culture, including the Persian language (Farsi), has a strong national influence.  
• This takes one back to the Bible about Queen Esther who married the King Ahasueros, saved her Jewish people from a Holocaust brought on by the king's advisor, Haman. 
  
         Gathering of the Zionist Federation in Iran, 1920 of Iranian Jews; They want to return to Jerusalem
• Iranian Jews constitute one of the oldest Jewish communities in the diaspora, with a history stretching back to ancient Persia. Despite historical presence and a significant population in the past, the number of Jews in Iran has decreased, particularly after the 1979 revolution. While the Iranian government recognizes Jews as a religious minority with protected rights, including representation in parliament, there are also reports of discrimination and challenges faced by the community.  
• After 1979, Jewish emigration from Iran increased dramatically in light of the country's Islamic Revolution and fall of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Today, the vast majority of Iranian Jews reside in Israel and the United States; with 250,00 in Israel. In 1979, Iran had about 80,000 Jews. Today, that number has dropped and is estimated to be around 10,000, yet it is still reportedly considered the second biggest Jewish community in the Middle East. Most now live in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz.                                      
  
• My cousin's spouse was smuggled out of Iran by riding a camel in a group of teen-age boys.  He made it to the USA somehow and later became a doctor.  

• 2. Azerbaijanis (Azeris): The second largest ethnic group (estimated 16%), Azerbaijanis are primarily located in the northwestern provinces, close to the border with Azerbaijan. They speak the Turkic-origin Azerbaijani language and share many cultural similarities with Persians. Azerbaijani music and dance, including the Ashiq and Lezgi dance, are notable features of their culture.

• 3. Kurds: Constituting about 10% of the population, Kurds inhabit the Zagros Mountains region. Their language, Kurdish, is related to Persian, and their culture is rich in music, dance, and oral traditions.

• Arabs: Concentrated in Khuzestan province and the Persian Gulf islands, Iranian Arabs speak a distinct Arabic dialect and maintain strong ties to their ancestral customs. Their culture emphasizes hospitality and traditional attire.

• Religious Diversity: While the majority of Iranians are Shia Muslims, the country also has communities of Sunni Muslims (especially in southern regions), as well as Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. These groups contribute to the diverse religious landscape of Iran.
  
                            Ruhollah died at age 86 in 1989

The 1979 Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, was a pivotal event that overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. It was fueled by widespread discontent with the Shah's regime and a desire for an Islamic government. The revolution culminated in the Shah's abdication, the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the establishment of an Islamic theocracy. 

                                                 

Jaleh, her husband (both of Bahai religion)  and their newborn baby, Pariya in Iran, before the family was forced to separate.  Pariya's mum smuggled her out of Iran on a camel to start a 

new life in Australia

(Supplied: Pariya Taherzadeh)

• Out-migration of Minorities: A large portion of the educated, secularized population, including many from ethnic and religious minorities, emigrated to Western countries due to unfavorable political conditions and the uncertainty and instability caused by the revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.
• Resettlement within Iran: Despite out-migration, there have been shifts in the geographic distribution of ethnic groups within Iran due to internal migration. For example, Tehran now has a significant Azeri population, and Karaj has become a crucial city for Kurds.
• Changing Urban Landscape: Post-revolution urban development led to the expansion of city peripheries and increased urban concentration, potentially impacting the character of established ethnic neighborhoods. The government also embarked on a large-scale project to build new cities to accommodate population growth and shifts.
• Focus on Rural Development: The new government prioritized rural development, viewing the rural sector as "deprived" and deserving of remedial programs. This may have affected the demographics and socio-economic conditions of ethnic groups residing in rural areas.
• Persistent Ethnic Divides: The Iranian diaspora, reflecting the diverse origins of those who left, remains marked by fragmentation along political, ethnic, religious, and generational lines. Within Iran, ethnic issues have evolved from territorial questions to concerns about culture and population distribution. 

In summary: The 1979 revolution and subsequent events spurred significant changes in Iran's demographic landscape, including shifts within ethnic neighborhoods due to emigration and internal migration, as well as evolving dynamics related to urban development and rural policy.