Farsi (فارسی)
Kurdish (کوردی)
You can find useful information about ethnic identities in Iran in the above Motion Graphic. The text below will give you additional information.
During the last century, problems associated with the ethnic identities and customs of Iranian ethnic groups have existed to varying degrees. Some ethnic groups in Iran even see themselves as independent nations.
In the early years of Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign in Azerbaijan, the Democrat Party was able to declare autonomy for about a year and take over the administration of regions of Azerbaijan. At the same time, in Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Democrat Party managed to take control of some Kurdish cities.
In the years following the Revolution, most Kurdish regions were involved in wars that were related to ethnic identity. Similar incidents occurred in the Baluchi areas during the reigns of Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah, but were suppressed after a while by central government countermeasures.
There has been a tendency over the past century for Arabic-speaking people to give themselves a group identity. The latest activity of this group dates back to the efforts of the Al-Ahwaziyya. Nationality and ethnicity are contemporary formations of social identity. The term ‘ethnicity’ was first used to describe groups of people with languages, territories, and histories in common – initially described as ‘nations’ in the twentieth century. In the nineteenth century, ‘ethnic’ was used to describe people living outside the purview of the capitalist police. These people were seen as being in conflict and competition with the nation because they had a different language or even a separate territory. They created their histories and defined their territories by assimilating the diversity of their internal languages.‘Nationality’, on the other hand, is an identity formed by the continuity, standing on a historical foundation, of a collection of commitments and duties of people who belong to a specific geographic location – people who make decisions together and act together. There are ambiguities involved in the use of ‘ethnic identity’ and ‘national identity’. Among some minorities in Iran, there is a great emphasis on using the word ‘nation’ instead of ‘ethnic group’.The use of the term ‘ethnic’ in this study is not intended to diminish conceptual complexity. Instead, the researchers strove to respect the spirit of science and did not intend to interfere with personal values in the research process. From the theoretical part of the study, the researchers achieved an objective understanding of these perspectives. By respecting both perspectives, the study could be framed from both anthropological and ethnographic perspectives and the ideas of ethnicity and identity could be addressed without prejudice. The research sought to answer the following questions through a series of interviews with ‘elites’ and the general public, conducted using scientific methods: How do different ethnic groups understand themselves and others, and how do they practice othering? How do different ethnic groups define themselves in the political, economic, and societal structures of contemporary Iran? What are different ethnic groups’ opinions about ideas such as convergence, political participation, the mother tongue, and the centre/periphery situation? Are there intellectual and practical environments to foster greater independence for these ethnic groups? These questions make necessary investigations into identity and ethnicity in Iran. Levels of existing religious discrimination according to the elitesBorder to Border is an exploration of identity and race. The research primarily sought to answer questions about how ethnic groups understand themselves and their identities; how they define themselves in contrast to others; and how they define themselves in the political, economic, and societal structures of contemporary Iran. It was also aimed at discovering their opinions on convergence, political participation, the mother tongue, and the centre/periphery situation. The results can help political decision-makers to rationally solve the existing problems, while peacefully addressing the current demands of each ethnic group. This will result in a better understanding of identity and ethnicity and further national unity and integration. Ethnicity in Iran is diverse, with the Persian (Fars) ethnic group being the largest. Persians claim that they have played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and culture. However, not all other groups living in Iran agree with this claim and state it is important to recognize the contributions and unique identities of their ethnic groups. Here is a comparison of the population of different ethnic groups living in Iran (according to the national census. Some ethnic groups do not agree with the government’s National Statistics.) : Fars: Approximately 61% of the population. Azerbaijani Turks: Approximately 16% of the population. Kurds: Approximately 10% of the population. Arabs: Approximately 2% of the population. Baluchis: Approximately 2% of the population. Lurs: Approximately 2% of the population. Turkmen: Approximately 1% of the population. Thus, Iran has a rich tapestry of ethnic communities. Some groups have retained their distinct languages, cultures, and traditions, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity. It is important to note that no language other than Frasi is allowed in Iran only Farsi is taught in schools and it is on demand by non farsi speakers which is long overdue. Historically, there have been complex relationships between different ethnic groups in Iran. Modernization and centralization efforts during the Pahlavi era led to the dominance of Fars culture and language, which marginalised some minority communities. The political system claims that there is a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and diversity in Iranian society. It also claims that initiatives aim to foster a more equitable and harmonious society, where all ethnic communities can thrive. However the majority of non-Fars nations / ethnic groups feelings of inequality politically, economically, culturally, linguistically, and religiously. In economic terms, rural areas lack important infrastructure, while most of the country’s facilities are concentrated in the central provinces. The main causes of ethnic discontent in Iran are related to politics, the economy, culture, language, religion, and inequalities – feelings that are intensified when one ethnic group compares itself to others, especially Persian speakers. Kurds, Turks, Arabs, and Baluchis do not feel that they have proper places in the political structure of the country; nor do they have the administrative positions in ministries, provinces, embassies, and other public positions that they are entitled to. Demands related to identity and ethnicity are only some of the demands made by ethnic groups in the past century, especially in the years after the Islamic Revolution. Levels of existing religious limitations according to the elitesThose demands, which have always been viewed from a security perspective and considered disruptive to national unity and harmony, were dealt with in confrontational, coercive, and violent manners. This led to violent encounters between the centre and the more peripheral ethnic groups, which, after a while, with the weakening of those ethnic groups, concluded in cold silence. A survey of ethnic backgrounds in Iran demonstrates that ethnic groups have been disturbed by discriminatory laws, particularly regarding their languages, religions, and civil rights. During the Constitutional Revolution, the rights of these groups were not acknowledged, and, during the Pahlavi era, newspapers, magazines, and books with ethnic dialects and languages were strictly prohibited. Today, the root causes of grievances are feelings of inequality between ethnic groups politically, economically, culturally, linguistically, and religiously, especially the Persian-speaking groups. In economic terms, rural areas lack important infrastructure. It is believed that the majority of the country’s facilities are concentrated in the central provinces. In terms of culture, the ethnic groups studied for this research believe that they face restrictions on holding regional festivals and conferences. The national and local media do not cover and represent the cultures and traditions of these regions as the people believe they deserve, and do not provide media services related to the local and regional cultures of different ethnic groups. In the education system, there are no textbooks in the mother tongues of regional people, and in Kurdish, Turkish, Arab, Baloch and other minority-group regions, children are forced to study in a language that is not their mother tongue. Most Baluchis, as well as some Kurds, have different religious orientations than the state’s official religion. These groups feel that the religious beliefs of government officials lead to the political, cultural, social, and economic oppression of indigenous peoples.
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FAQ About Identify and Ethnicity
- What is Identity and Ethnicity in Iran? Iranian identity refers to the characteristics that define a person as being Iranian or belonging to the nation of Iran. These characteristics may include shared historical experiences, cultural traditions, social customs, political beliefs, and religious practices. They may also include a shared language and culture, as well as a shared environment and self-concept. In other words, Iranian identity is shaped by the various factors that distinguish Iranian people and groups from others. It is a collective feeling that is shared by people who belong to the country of Iran and feel a sense of connection to its history, culture, and society. However, it is important to note that not all Iranians feel equally connected to their identities. Some ethnic groups within Iran feel marginalised due to economic, political, cultural, or religious discrimination and may not fully identify with the larger Iranian community.
- What is national identity? A national identity is the feeling of belonging and loyalty to a specific country and its society. It is based on shared beliefs, values, cultural norms, language, religion, customs, literature, geography, economy, politics or other factors that connect an individual to the larger community. National identity is a unifying force that brings people together within a society.
- What does the Constitution say about the mother tongue? The constitution of Iran states that Farsi (Persian) is the official and common language of the country. All official documents, correspondence, and texts must be in Farsi, but the use of local and ethnic languages in the media and the teaching of non-Farsi literature in schools is allowed. However, some ethnic groups in Iran feel discriminated against due to the imposition of the Farsi language as the national and standard language and feel that their languages and cultures are being suppressed.
- What are the causes and consequences of ethnic discrimination in Iran? Ethnic discrimination and the mistreatment of certain ethnic groups and minorities is a significant social issue in Iran that hinders national unity and integration. This issue is characterised by the unfair treatment of certain ethnic groups based on their ethnicity and can manifest in a variety of ways, such as economic and social exclusion, cultural suppression, and even violence. This discrimination can have serious consequences for the affected groups, including the incitement of feelings of social and cultural deprivation and a lack of opportunities for advancement and success. Ethnic discrimination and the mistreatment of minority groups can also create divisions within society and undermine national unity and cohesion.
The complex interplay between individual identity and ethnicity is influenced by factors like globalization, migration, and cultural exchange, resulting in increasingly diverse and multicultural societies.
While ethnicity is a key component of identity, it is essential to recognize that individuals can have multiple identities that intersect, creating a rich and diverse sense of self.
Ethnicity refers to one’s cultural and social affiliation, often tied to shared traditions, language, history, and customs, and it plays a significant role in shaping a person’s identity.
Understanding and respecting the diverse identities and ethnicities of individuals is fundamental to promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and social cohesion in our globalized world.
Identity is a deeply personal and evolving construct, encompassing various aspects such as ethnicity, nationality, gender, and personal experiences that shape who we are.