What is the estimated population range for ethnic Armenians living in Iran?

Estimates for the number of ethnic Armenians residing in Iran vary, with figures ranging from 70,000 to 500,000 people. This wide range reflects different methodologies and sources for population counts.

In which Iranian cities and regions are Armenian communities most concentrated?

Significant concentrations of Iranian Armenians are found in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan (particularly in the New Julfa district), Salmas, and Urmia. These areas have historically been centers for Armenian settlement and cultural activity.

What is the historical significance of Armenians living in the territory of modern-day Iran?

Armenians have inhabited the territory that now constitutes modern-day Iran for millennia, with a recorded history stretching back that far. Many of the world's oldest Armenian churches, monasteries, and chapels are located within Iran, attesting to this long presence.

How did Iranian Armenians contribute to the modernization of Iran in the 19th and 20th centuries?

Iranian Armenians were influential and active participants in modernizing Iran during the 19th and 20th centuries. They played roles in various sectors, including pioneering photography, theater, and the film industry, and were also involved in Iranian political affairs.

What happened to the Armenian population in Iran following the Iranian Revolution?

After the Iranian Revolution, many Armenians emigrated from Iran to Armenian diasporic communities in North America and Western Europe. Additionally, a substantial number, estimated at 80,000, repatriated to Armenia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with peak numbers in the early 2000s.

What is the current religious demographic status of Armenians in Iran?

Today, Armenians constitute Iran's largest Christian religious minority and remain the largest Christian community in the country, significantly outnumbering Assyrians.

What historical periods saw significant Armenian presence and influence in regions that are now part of Iran?

Armenians have a long history in regions that are now part of Iran, with significant interaction dating back to Antiquity. Historical Armenian regions like Nor Shirakan, Vaspurakan, and Paytakaran were part of historical Armenia and are located in modern northwestern Iran. The Safavid era also marked a significant period of Armenian settlement and cultural development in Iran.

How did the Safavid dynasty's policies affect the Armenian population in Iran?

The Safavid dynasty's policies, particularly under Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century, led to the forced resettlement of a large number of Armenians from their homelands into Iran. This was part of a scorched earth strategy against the Ottoman Empire and resulted in the creation of Armenian quarters, such as New Julfa in Isfahan.

What was the impact of the Peace of Amasya and the Treaty of Zuhab on Armenian territories?

The Peace of Amasya (mid-16th century) and the Treaty of Zuhab (1639) formalized the division of Armenia between the Ottoman and Safavid empires. This division meant that Eastern Armenia remained under successive Iranian rule (Safavid, Afsharid, Qajar), while Western Armenia stayed under Ottoman rule for centuries.

What was Shah Abbas I's 'scorched earth' policy and how did it involve Armenians?

Shah Abbas I implemented a scorched earth policy in the early 17th century to protect Iran's northwestern frontier from Ottoman invasions. This policy involved the forced resettlement of large numbers of Armenians from their territories to other parts of the Safavid Empire, including the creation of New Julfa near Isfahan.

How did the Russian expansion in the early 19th century affect Eastern Armenia and its Armenian population?

The expansion of the Russian Empire led to the cession of Eastern Armenia (modern-day Armenia) from Qajar Iran to Russia through the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828. This resulted in a large demographic shift, with many Armenians coming under Russian rule and encouraging resettlement from Iran into Russian Armenia.

What demographic changes occurred in Iranian Armenia following the Treaty of Turkmenchay?

Following the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828, which transferred Eastern Armenia to Russian control, about 40,000 Armenians left Azerbaijan (in Iran) and resettled in Russian Armenia. Concurrently, many Caucasian Muslims migrated to Iran proper.

What was the ethnic composition of Iranian Armenia before and after the Russian annexation?

Before the Russian annexation in 1828, Muslims (Persians, Turkic speakers, Kurds) constituted about 80% of the population in Iranian Armenia, while Christian Armenians made up approximately 20%. After the Russian administration took over, and with the encouragement of Armenian resettlement from Iran and Turkey, ethnic Armenians began to form a majority in parts of historic Armenia.

How did the Armenian genocide impact the Armenian population in Iran?

During the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire, approximately 50,000 Armenians fled to Persia (Iran) seeking refuge. Later, during World War I, the Ottomans massacred many Armenians in northern Iran, causing further displacement.

What was the role of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in Iran in the 20th century?

The ARF played a significant role in the Iranian Armenian community, especially after the arrival of its exiled leadership from Russian Armenia in mid-1921. The influx of ARF-affiliated Armenians strengthened the party's dominance over other Armenian political groups and the community as a whole.

What was the estimated Armenian population in Iran around 1930?

By 1930, the Armenian population in Iran was estimated to be approximately 200,000, partly due to immigration from the Soviet Union until 1933.

How did the modernization efforts under Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah affect Iranian Armenians?

The modernization initiatives under Reza Shah (1924–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah (1941–1979) provided significant opportunities for advancement for Iranian Armenians. They achieved prominent positions in the arts, sciences, economy, and service sectors, particularly in major cities like Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan.

What was the estimated Armenian population in Iran just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution?

In the period leading up to the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the estimated Armenian population in Iran was between 200,000 and 300,000. By 1978, Tehran alone had an Armenian population of about 110,000.

What role did Iranian Armenians play during the Iran-Iraq War?

Many Armenians served in the Iranian Armed Forces during the Iran-Iraq War, with 89 Armenians killed in action. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged and praised the role of these Armenian martyrs, stating they are honored like Muslim martyrs.

How has the fall of the Soviet Union influenced the Iranian Armenian community?

The dissolution of the Soviet Union and subsequent diplomatic and economic agreements between Iran and Armenia have opened a new era for Iranian Armenians. Iran has become a key trade partner for Armenia, providing essential goods and support, which has eased hardships caused by blockades from Azerbaijan and Turkey.

What representation do Armenians have in the Iranian Parliament?

Armenians are allocated two of the five seats in the Iranian Parliament reserved for religious minorities, which is more than any other religious minority group. They are also the only minority with official observing status in the Guardian and Expediency Discernment Councils.

How is the Armenian population distributed geographically within Iran today?

Currently, about half of Iran's Armenians reside in the Tehran area, with significant populations also in Isfahan (a quarter of the total) and Northwestern Iran or Iranian Azerbaijan (the remaining quarter).

What was the impact of World War I on the Armenian population in Azerbaijan (Iran)?

Before World War I, there were approximately 150,000 Armenians in Azerbaijan (Iran), with 30,000 in Tabriz. During the war, Ottoman invasions led to the massacre of about 80,000 Armenians in the region, while 30,000 fled to Russian Armenia, and another 10,000 sought refuge in Tabriz.

What is the current Armenian population in Tabriz and its surrounding countryside?

Currently, approximately 4,000 Armenians live in the countryside of East Azerbaijan, and about 2,000 reside in Tabriz itself, primarily in the Nowbar, Bazar, and Ahrab districts. They maintain four churches, a school, and a cemetery in the city.

Which Armenian settlements in Iran were abandoned in the 18th century?

The Armenian settlements of Lenjan, Alenjan, and Karvan, located in the Isfahan Province, were abandoned during the 18th century.

What factors led to the depopulation of several Armenian villages in Iran in the mid-20th century?

Several Armenian villages in Iran depopulated in the mid-20th century due to emigration. Armenians moved to New Julfa, Tehran, or Soviet Armenia, particularly in 1945 and again in 1967.

Which Armenian villages in the Fereydan region are still partially settled by Armenians?

In the Fereydan region (Peria), one village, Zarneh, is still totally settled by Armenians. Additionally, four other villages—Upper Khoygan, Gharghan, Nemagerd, and Sangbaran—are partially settled by Armenians, along with one village, Upper Chanakhchi, in Gharaghan.

What unique cultural and legal privileges do Armenians in Iran possess?

Armenians in Iran have their own schools and are exempt from national laws that prohibit alcohol consumption and regulate public gender relations within designated Armenian 'public' spaces, which are inaccessible to Muslim citizens.

What is distinctive about the Armenian dialect spoken by Iranian Armenians?

The Armenian dialect spoken by Iranian Armenians is a form of Eastern Armenian, which is closely related to the dialects spoken in Armenia, Georgia, and Russia. This is partly due to the historical resettlement of Armenians from Nakhchivan, who spoke the eastern dialect, to Isfahan by Shah Abbas.

How does the Armenian language used in Iran blend elements of both major Armenian language branches?

The Armenian language in Iran uniquely combines features of both Eastern and Western Armenian. It generally follows the pronunciation, grammar, and structure of Eastern Armenian while often retaining the spelling system of Western Armenian, a practice influenced by historical migrations and cultural preservation efforts.

What are the two main terms used to refer to the Armenian language spoken in Iran?

The Armenian language spoken in Iran is referred to in Armenian as 'Parskahayeren' (Persian Armenian) or, less commonly, 'Iranahayeren' (Iranian Armenian).

What are the key phonological distinctions of Iranian Armenian dialects compared to other Eastern Armenian varieties?

A notable phonological feature of Iranian Armenian dialects is the common pronunciation of the retroflex approximant /ɻ/ (represented as 'zh') for the Armenian letter 'z' (represented as 'z'), which sounds similar to the American English /ɹ/. This contrasts with most other Eastern Armenian dialects, which pronounce it as a flap /ɾ/.

What influence does the Persian language have on Iranian Armenian dialects?

The Persian language has influenced Iranian Armenian dialects through numerous calques (loan translations), particularly in cultural phraseology and compound verbs. Additionally, many dialects incorporate a low front vowel sound, /æ/, primarily from Persian loanwords but also found in some native Armenian words.

Which historical Armenian regions were ceded to Persia in 387 AD?

In 387 AD, when Armenia was divided between the Sasanian Empire and the Byzantine Empire, the territories of Nor Shirakan, Paytakaran, and the eastern half of Vaspurakan were ceded to Persia. These areas correspond to the western and northern regions of modern-day Azerbaijan in Iran.

What role did the Armenian St. Thaddeus Monastery play historically?

The Armenian St. Thaddeus Monastery, also known as 'Kara Kelissa,' located in West Azerbaijan province, is believed by some to have been initially built in 66 AD by Saint Jude. It is one of the oldest Armenian religious sites in Iran.

What was the significance of Tabriz for Iranian Armenians historically?

Tabriz was a significant center for Armenian political life from the early modern (Safavid) era onwards. After the cession of territories to Russia in the early 19th century, the position of Tabrizi Armenians was strengthened, and the bishop's seat was transferred to Tabriz from St. Thaddeus Monastery in 1845.

What religious institutions do Armenians maintain in Tabriz?

In Tabriz, Armenians maintain an Arajnordaran (bishop's see), three churches (St. Sargis, Shoghakat, and St. Mary), a chapel, a school, and an Armenian cemetery. They also have the Ararat Cultural Club.

Who was Arakel of Tabriz?

Arakel of Tabriz was a historian who was a notable Armenian from Tabriz.

Which Armenian figure was a leading participant in the Persian Constitutional Revolution?

Yeprem Khan, an ethnic Armenian, was a significant figure in the Persian Constitutional Revolution of the early 20th century.

What was the estimated Armenian population in Persia according to Malachia Ormanian in 1911?

In 1911, Malachia Ormanian estimated that approximately 83,400 Armenians lived in Persia. Of these, 81,000 were followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and 2,400 were Armenian Catholics, distributed across various regions like Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, and Tehran.

What is the significance of the Armenian eternity sign in the context of Armenian culture?

The Armenian eternity sign, depicted in the sidebar, is a symbol associated with Armenian culture and identity, often representing concepts of divinity and everlastingness.

What were the primary regions of Armenian settlement in Iran mentioned in the text?

The primary regions of Armenian settlement in Iran include Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan (especially New Julfa), Urmia, Fereydan, and Bourvari. Historically, areas in northwestern Iran were also part of historical Armenia.

What is the Armenian Apostolic Diocese of Atrpatakan?

The Armenian Apostolic Diocese of Atrpatakan is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction for Armenian Apostolic Christians in the region of Azerbaijan, Iran, with its seat historically located in Tabriz.

What is the 'Great Surgun' mentioned in relation to Iranian Armenians?

The 'Great Surgun' refers to the mass deportation and resettlement of approximately 500,000 Armenians by Shah Abbas I of Persia from their homelands to areas within Iran, such as New Julfa near Isfahan, during the early 17th century.

What is the 'Mashtotsian orthography' mentioned in relation to Iranian Armenian language?

The Mashtotsian orthography refers to the classical Armenian orthography and spelling system that is preserved by some Iranian Armenians. This contrasts with the reformed Armenian orthography adopted in Soviet Armenia and the present Republic of Armenia.

Which Armenian churches are located in Tabriz?

The Armenian churches in Tabriz include St. Sargis, Shoghakat, and St. Mary.

What is the 'Alik' publication mentioned in the context of Iranian Armenians?

Alik is a prominent daily newspaper published by the Armenian community in Iran, serving as a key source of information and communication for the community.

What is the significance of the Armenian population in Iran as a religious minority?

Armenians are significant as Iran's largest religious minority and its largest Christian community. They hold specific political representation in the Iranian Parliament and have certain legal exemptions within their community spaces.

What historical event led to the division of Armenia between Persia and the Ottoman Empire?

The division of Armenia between Persia and the Ottoman Empire occurred through a series of treaties, notably the Peace of Amasya in the mid-16th century and decisively the Treaty of Zuhab in 1639, which lasted until the mid-19th century.

What is the 'Armeno-Tats' language mentioned in the text?

Armeno-Tats refers to a language that is a dialect of Persian spoken by some Armenians in Iran, indicating a linguistic blend influenced by both Armenian and Persian heritage.

What was the role of Armenians in the cultural and economic development of Iran during the Safavid era?

Following their resettlement by Shah Abbas, the Armenian community became actively involved in the cultural and economic development of Iran. Their skills in commerce were recognized, and they contributed to the nation's progress.

Iranian Armenians Wiki: Armenian Heritage in the Land of Persia: A Historical and Cultural Exploration

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A Millennia of Presence

Ancient Roots

Armenians have inhabited the territories comprising modern-day Iran for millennia, engaging in significant cultural and historical interactions with Persian civilizations. Ancient Armenia and Urartu were historically synonymous, with Armenia serving as a satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire for an extended period. The cultural and religious ties between Armenians and Persians date back to Zoroastrian times, with Parthia exerting considerable influence on Armenian life and culture prior to the 3rd century CE. This deep connection facilitated intermarriage among the nobility and established a relationship of indirect or direct Persian rule over Armenia for over twelve centuries.

Safavid Era Resettlement

The modern Armenian community in Iran largely emerged under the Safavid dynasty. In the 16th century, following the division of Armenia between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, Eastern Armenia fell under Iranian rule. Shah Abbas I, implementing a scorched-earth policy in the early 17th century to defend against Ottoman incursions, forcibly relocated approximately 500,000 Armenians from their homelands. This mass resettlement, known as the "Great Surgun," established significant Armenian communities, most notably in New Julfa, a district of Isfahan, and the surrounding villages. The Safavids recognized the Armenians' commercial acumen, integrating them into Iran's economic and cultural development.

Russian Influence and Territorial Shifts

The 19th century witnessed significant geopolitical shifts. The expansion of the Russian Empire led to the cession of Caucasian territories from Qajar Iran through treaties like Gulistan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828). These treaties resulted in the transfer of modern-day Armenia and other regions to Russian control. The Treaty of Turkmenchay specifically encouraged the resettlement of Armenians from Iran into the newly established Russian Armenia, leading to a substantial demographic shift. This period marked the end of centuries of Iranian rule over Eastern Armenia and the beginning of a Russian-dominated era for many Armenians.

20th Century Contributions and Post-Revolution Era

Throughout the 20th century, Iranian Armenians played a pivotal role in Iran's modernization, excelling in fields such as photography, theater, cinema, and politics. Figures like Yeprem Khan were instrumental in the Persian Constitutional Revolution. The community experienced growth through the influx of refugees from the Armenian genocide and later from the Soviet Union. Despite emigration following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Armenians continued to serve in the Iranian Armed Forces, with many recognized as martyrs. Iran remains a key trade partner for Armenia, facilitating crucial support amidst regional blockades.

Geographical Distribution

Major Centers

The Armenian population in Iran is concentrated in several key areas. Approximately half reside in the Tehran metropolitan area, with significant communities in its suburbs. A quarter of the population is settled in Isfahan, particularly in the historic New Julfa district. The remaining quarter is primarily located in Northwestern Iran, within the Azerbaijan region.

Historical Settlements

Historically, Armenian settlements were widespread across various provinces, including West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Markazi, Lorestan, and Isfahan. Many of these villages, though some have seen depopulation due to emigration or consolidation, represent centuries of Armenian presence and cultural continuity. These areas often contain ancient Armenian churches, monasteries, and chapels, testifying to the deep historical roots of the community.

The following lists detail historically Armenian-inhabited settlements across various regions of Iran:

Northwestern Iran (Azerbaijan Regions)

Maku & Chalderan Counties (West Azerbaijan): Maku, Qareh-Kelisa, Avajiq, Siah Cheshmeh, Shaveran, Sadal, Baron (Dzor Dzor).
Khoy County (West Azerbaijan): Khoy, Mahlzan, Ghris, Fanai, Dizeh, Qotur, Chors, Var, Quruq, Shurab, Qarajelu, Qareh Shaban, Saidabad.
Salmas County (West Azerbaijan): Salmast, Kohneshahr, Akhtekhaneh, Aslanik, Charik, Drishk, Qalasar, Qezeljeh, Haftvan, Khosrowabad, Goluzan, Malham, Sheitanabad, Pekajik, Karabulagh, Vardan, Hodar.
Urmia County (West Azerbaijan): Urmia, Balanej, Badelbo, Surmanabad, Jamalabad, Gardabad, Ikiaghaj, Isalu, Karaguz, Nakhichevan Tepe, Reihanabad, Sepurghan, Karabagh, Adeh, Dizej Ala, Khan Babakhan, Kachilan, Shirabad, Charbakhsh, Chahar Gushan, Ballu, Darbarud, Digala, Kukia, Babarud.
Jolfa County: Darashamb (Upper, Middle, Lower).
Arasbaran (East Azerbaijan):

Dizmar (West, Central, East): Aghaghan, Khaneqah, Qeshlaq, Yurgiutiun, Sardu, Owli.
Mishepara: Nepesht, Mikidi, Aghayi, Balan, Berd, Qasmushen, Garmanab.
Mnjivan: Vinaq, Aynalu, Sevahogh, Vardanashen, Karaglukh, Keshish Qeshlaq, Abbasabad, Norashen, Mzget, Luma, Vayqan.
Keivan: Siran, Avanlu, Qalamlu, Avarsin, Asran, Ashraf, Seqin, Dogidara, Sohran.
Hagar (Ahar County): Abella, Amredul.

Tabriz County (East Azerbaijan): Tabriz, Mujumbar, Sohrol, Aljamolk, Minavar.
Ardabil: Ardabil.
Maragheh: Maragheh.
Miandoab County: Taqiabad.

Central Iran (Markazi, Lorestan, Isfahan Provinces)

Zarandieh County (Markazi): Upper Chanakhchi, Lar, Charhad, Lower Chanakhchi.
Hamadan County: Hamadan, Sheverin.
Malayer County: Anuch, Deh Chaneh, Qaleh Fattahieh.
Shazand County (Markazi): Shazand, Abbasabad, Gurezar, Anbarteh.
Khomeyn County (Markazi):

Kamareh: Lilian, Qurchibash, Chartagh, Davudabad, Kandha, Darreh Shur, Mazra, Saki, Ortachiman, Asadabad, Danian, Farajabad, Hajiabad, Nasrabad, Kajarestan, Mazraeh Qasem.

Aligudarz County (Lorestan): Shapurabad, Khorzand, Parmishan, Pahra, Sang-e Sefid, Bahramabad, Dehnow, Qareh Kahriz, Nasrabad, Goran, Jowz, Cherbas, Jahan Khvosh, Anuj.
Azna County (Lorestan) & Shazand County (Markazi): Azna, Ahmadabad, Bosnava, Berk, Perchestan, Marzian, Qataat, Gorji, Kamian, Masoudabad, Abbasabad, Bamian, Bagh Muri, Zarna, Tokhmar, Sharafabad.
Faridan, Buin & Miandasht, Fereydunshahr Counties (Isfahan): Zarneh (Boloran), Upper Khoygan, Nemagerd, Gharghan, Sangbaran, Hezar Jarib, Singerd, Lower Khoygan, Adegan, Chigan, Hadan, Milagerd, Surshegan, Savaran, Derakhtak, Punestan, Qaleh Khajeh, Aznavleh, Bijgerd, Khong, Moghandar, Qalamelik, Nanadegan, Darreh Bid.
Tiran & Karvan County (Isfahan): Taqiabad, Dowlatabad, Upper Kord.
Lenjan, Falavarjan, Mobarakeh Counties (Isfahan): Khansarak, Kelisan, Mehregan, Pelart, Semsan, Kaleh Masih, Garkan, Zudan, Barchan, Jushan, Bondart, Koruj, Zazeran, Kapashan, Mamad.
Borujen, Kiar, Lordegan, Shahr-e Kord Counties (Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari): Vastegan, Geshnigan, Shalamzar, Gandoman, Sirak, Boldaji, Azan, Galugerd, Konarak, Aqbolagh, Mamura, Mamuka, Sulgan, Gushki, Ferendigan, Hajiabad, Ahmadabad, Livasian, Zorigan.

Note: Some villages listed were abandoned or depopulated in the 18th-20th centuries due to emigration. Currently, only a few remain partially or fully settled by Armenians.

Cultural Identity and Contributions

Educational Autonomy

Iranian Armenians stand out as one of the few linguistic minorities in Iran possessing their own schools. This educational autonomy allows for the preservation and transmission of Armenian language, history, and culture across generations, fostering a distinct community identity within the broader Iranian society.

Community Privileges

Within Iran's legal framework, Armenian communities are granted specific exemptions. They are exempt from national laws that restrict alcohol consumption and govern public gender relations in their designated 'public' spaces. These provisions acknowledge and accommodate the distinct cultural and religious practices of the Armenian minority.

Societal Impact

Armenians have significantly contributed to Iran's societal fabric, particularly in the 20th century. They were pioneers in fields such as photography, theater, and the film industry. Their influence extended to political affairs, with notable figures like Yeprem Khan playing crucial roles in historical movements. The community's artistic endeavors, including unique carpet designs like Lilihan carpets, further enrich Iran's cultural landscape.

The Unique Armenian Dialect of Iran

Eastern Armenian Roots

The Armenian dialect spoken in Iran is predominantly Eastern Armenian, closely aligning with the varieties used in Armenia, Georgia, and Russia. This linguistic continuity stems from historical population movements, notably the 17th-century resettlement of Armenians from Nakhchivan to Isfahan by Shah Abbas, who brought speakers of the eastern dialect.

Preserving Orthography

A distinctive feature of Iranian Armenian is its preservation of the classical Armenian orthography, known as "Mashtotsian orthography." This contrasts with most other Eastern Armenian speakers, particularly those from the former Soviet Union, who adopted the reformed orthography in the 1920s. This linguistic divergence makes the Iranian Armenian dialect unique, blending elements of both major Armenian language branches.

Linguistic Blend

The Armenian language used in Iran exhibits a fascinating synthesis: it incorporates the pronunciation and grammatical structures of Eastern Armenian while retaining the spelling system traditionally associated with Western Armenian. This linguistic hybridity, coupled with numerous loanwords and calques from Persian, particularly in idiomatic expressions and compound verbs, defines its unique character.

Notable Figures

Historical and Cultural Contributors

Iranian Armenians have produced numerous influential figures across various fields, contributing significantly to both Armenian and Iranian heritage. These individuals span historical periods and disciplines, from scholars and artists to political activists and military leaders.

Pre-Pahlavi Period (pre-1925)

Arakel of Tabriz: Historian.
Mohammad Beg: Statesman.
William Cormick: Physician (of Armenian descent).
Hayk Bzhishkyan: Soviet military commander (of Armenian descent).
Ardashes Badmagrian: Movie theater owner.
Hambarsoom Grigorian: Composer.
Vartan Hovanessian: Architect.
Ivan Galamian: Renowned violin teacher.
Gegham Saryan: Poet and translator.
Vahan Papazian: Political activist and community leader.
Avetis Nazarbekian: Poet, journalist, political activist, and revolutionary.
Louise Aslanian: Writer and figure in the French Resistance.

Pahlavi and Post-Pahlavi Periods (post-1925)

Hakob Karapents: Author.
Alexander Abian: Mathematician.
Varto Terian: Iran's first stage actress and educator.
Samuel Khachikian: Film director, screenwriter, author, and editor.
Arman (actor): Actor, film director, and producer.
Robert Ekhart: Film director (of Armenian descent).
Emik Avakian: Inventor.
Khachik Babayan: Violinist.
Grigor Vahramian Gasparbeg: Painter.
Vartan Vahramian: Composer, artist, and painter.
Vartan Gregorian: Academic and former president of the Carnegie Corporation.
Rouben Galichian: Scholar.
Henry D. Sahakian: Businessman.

Historical Contextual Notes

Terminology and Demographics

Historically, the term "Tatars" was used by Russians to refer to the Turkic-speaking Muslim populations of Transcaucasia. Following the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the Soviet era, this group increasingly identified as "Azerbaijani." Prior to 1918, the term "Azerbaijan" exclusively denoted the Iranian province of Azarbayjan. Population estimates for Iranian Armenians vary significantly, ranging from 70,000 to over 500,000, reflecting different methodologies and timeframes.

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References

Kettenhofen, Bournoutian & Hewsen 1998, pp. 542â551.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Iranian Armenians Wikipedia page

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Armenian Heritage in the Land of Persia

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Millennia of Presence 🏛️

🏺 Ancient Roots

🕌 Safavid Era Resettlement

🇷🇺 Russian Influence and Territorial Shifts

🌟 20th Century Contributions and Post-Revolution Era

Geographical Distribution 🗺️

🏙️ Major Centers

🏘️ Historical Settlements

Northwestern Iran (Azerbaijan Regions)

Central Iran (Markazi, Lorestan, Isfahan Provinces)

Cultural Identity and Contributions 🎭

🏫 Educational Autonomy

⚖️ Community Privileges

🎨 Societal Impact

The Unique Armenian Dialect of Iran 🗣️

🗣️ Eastern Armenian Roots

✍️ Preserving Orthography

🔄 Linguistic Blend

Notable Figures 🌟

📜 Historical and Cultural Contributors

Pre-Pahlavi Period (pre-1925)

Pahlavi and Post-Pahlavi Periods (post-1925)

Historical Contextual Notes 📜

📝 Terminology and Demographics

Sources 📚

🔗 Reference List

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Millennia of Presence

Ancient Roots

Safavid Era Resettlement

Russian Influence and Territorial Shifts

20th Century Contributions and Post-Revolution Era

Geographical Distribution

Major Centers

Historical Settlements

Cultural Identity and Contributions

Educational Autonomy

Community Privileges

Societal Impact

The Unique Armenian Dialect of Iran

Eastern Armenian Roots

Preserving Orthography

Linguistic Blend

Notable Figures

Historical and Cultural Contributors

Historical Contextual Notes

Terminology and Demographics

Sources

Reference List

Teacher's Corner

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References

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