Latest / The Story of Armenia: Survival Through Empires and Genocide — Fexingo History / The Armenians of Iran: A Community's Enduring Legacy
Transcript
- Luna: So we've talked about Armenians under the Ottomans and the Russians, but I've always wondered — what about the Armenians in Iran? That's a different story, isn't it? Lucas: It really is. The Armenian community in Iran is one of the oldest and most influential diaspora communities, and it's still there today. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of people who have shaped Iranian culture, trade, and even politics for centuries. And it all starts with a massive forced relocation in the early 17th century. Lucas: Before that, Armenians had been living in the region of historic Armenia — parts of which are in modern Iran — for millennia. But the community as we know it really took shape under Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty. He was a brilliant but ruthless ruler, and in 1604, as the Ottomans were pushing into his territory, he decided on a scorched-earth strategy. Luna: Forced relocation? Lucas: Exactly. He ordered the entire Armenian population of the town of Julfa, on the Araxes River, to be uprooted and marched hundreds of miles south to his new capital, Isfahan. Thousands died along the way. But those who survived were settled in a new suburb he created for them, which they called New Julfa. And here's the clever part: Shah Abbas knew the Armenians were skilled merchants with networks stretching across Europe and Asia. By bringing them to his capital, he was tapping into their commercial expertise. Lucas: And it worked. The Armenians of New Julfa became the backbone of the Silk Road trade between Persia and Europe. They were dealing in silk, spices, precious stones, you name it. They had agents as far away as Venice, Amsterdam, and even the Philippines. By the late 17th century, they were one of the wealthiest communities in the empire. Luna: If you're enjoying this deep dive into Armenian diaspora history, we want to mention something. This show is ad-free and made possible by listeners who support us. If you'd like to help keep these conversations going, you can find us at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. Lucas: Yeah, it's a small way to support the research and time that goes into each episode. And we're grateful for every contribution. Now, back to the Armenians of Iran — their influence wasn't just economic. They also brought their culture and faith. Lucas: Shah Abbas allowed them to build churches, and the most famous is the Vank Cathedral in New Julfa, which still stands today. It's a stunning blend of Armenian and Persian architecture — frescoes inside showing biblical scenes, but with Islamic-style geometric patterns. It really symbolizes how this community adapted while keeping its identity. Luna: Did they have any political influence? Lucas: Absolutely. In the Safavid period, Armenian merchants often served as diplomats and intermediaries with European powers. One of the most famous was Archbishop David IV of New Julfa, who traveled to Europe in the early 18th century seeking support against the Ottomans. Later, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Armenians were active in Iran's Constitutional Revolution of 1905 to 1911. A key figure was Yeprem Khan, an Armenian who became the chief of police in Tehran and helped modernize the city's administration. Lucas: The community also played a major role in education and publishing. They established the first printing press in Iran in the 17th century, and later, Armenian schools were among the best in the country. Many Iranian intellectuals, not just Armenians, were educated there. Luna: What about after the 1979 Islamic Revolution? Did that change everything? Lucas: It did, but not as drastically as you might think. The new constitution recognized Armenians as a religious minority and reserved one seat in the parliament for them. That's still the case today. However, many Armenians left after the revolution, especially during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The community shrank from about 300,000 to maybe 150,000 or less today. But those who stayed continue to practice their faith, run their schools, and maintain their cultural institutions. Lucas: One interesting detail: the Armenian-Iranian community is very proud of its dual heritage. They speak Armenian at home and Persian in public. Their cuisine is a blend — think Persian rice dishes with Armenian spices. And they have their own newspapers, churches, and even a sports club. They're fully integrated into Iranian society but also maintain a distinct identity. Luna: So they're a bridge between two worlds, in a way. Lucas: Exactly. And that's been their role for over 400 years. From the Safavid court to the modern Iranian parliament, Armenians have been a vital part of Iran's story. Their experience is a reminder that diaspora doesn't always mean displacement — sometimes it means building a new home that enriches both the community and the country around it. Luna: I'd love to visit New Julfa someday and see the Vank Cathedral. Lucas: It's definitely on my list too. And when we next cover the Armenian diaspora, maybe we'll look at the community in India or the Middle East. There's so much more to explore.