Armenian Diaspora in Iran

An a different period in history Iran does its best to please Armenia. Nevertheless, the Armenian Diaspora in Iran has covered 500 years.Currently Armenians in Iran have settled in three big cites, Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. The history of the Armenian Diaspora in Tabriz is older than in others cities. It is known that Tabriz was a trade and commercial city and Armenia was famous for trade. Because of this point Armenians settled in this city. Recorded the history of the Armenia
Diaspora in Isfahan begins in 1606. At that time I Shah Abbas ordered to Armenians settle in Isfahan.(19) The history of the Armenian Diaspora in Tehran began in the 18th century during the period of Kerim khan Zengin and Aga Muhammed shah Qacar. According to Armenian sources the first Armenian Church began to activate in 1795. Additionally, Armenians in small groups spread to the territories of Iran.
Different numbers regarding Armenians in Iran are shown. However, before the revolution 300 000 Armenians lived in Iran. But after the revolution their number decreased to about 200,000. In other sources, the numbers showed as 150,000, 120,000 and even 100,000.
In reality, Armenians number is less than these numbers show. According to Armenian research the number is approximately 60-65,000.In 2004 an “International religious report” shows that every year about 15-20,000 Christians leave Iran. Taking into consideration the fact that Armenians are the main Christian’s in Iran, it is easy to think that Armenians began to leave Iran in recent years.
The Iranian press reported that 8000 Armenians live in Isfahan and in recent years they began to move to Europe. Low growth among Armenian and immigration of Armenians to Europe, Canada and US lessen the Armenian Diaspora in Iran and in this situation Armenians will disappear from in Iran.
Despite this the Armenian Diaspora is surrounded with the complete support of Iran in all areas. This support is even illustrated in the Constitution of Iran’s Islamic Republic. The Constitution of Iran’s Islamic Republic gave minority status to Armenians in Iran. According to the Constitution article 13 Armenian’s can live in their own place with their own religious. Furthermore, according to article 64 of the Constitution 2 Armenian members can exist in the Iranian parliament. One Armenian member can represent the north –Tehran and one member can represent south-Isfahan.Currently, Robert Beyleryan represents the south and Gevorq Vartan represents the north.
Actually, a number of Armenians does not influence the number of deputies in parliament. If we take 60-65 000 Armenians into consideration, 1 Armenian deputy represents 30,000 Armenians. This percentage is much more than that percentage in the Iran parliament for Iranians. 1 Iranian deputy represents 150,000 Iranians in parliament. Thus, Armenians have priority over Iranians in Iran.
Iran has given more priority to ethnic Armenians than any other ethnic groups in all spheres of the life. Despite that, Iran as a Muslim country and the Muslim religion play an important role in the life of people, Iran gave priority in religious ceremonies to Armenians and this condition is more appropriate than Muslims. For instance, Iran has 60 billion people and according to statistics for every 10,000 Iranian’s has a mosque. But for every 750 Armenians they have a church. If we count, Iranian has 16 times less opportunity than Armenians’ priority over religion.
Currently, the number of Iranians is going to increase. Today it is approximately 70 million people. On the contrary, the Armenians number is going to decrease. Thus, today Iran has 300 churches.Currently, 1 church is available for 200-250 Armenians in Iran.
It is known that, the church plays an important role in Armenian Christian life. Thus, today the Armenian Church has independent activities in Iranian Armenians life.Today, Iranian/Armenians refer to Greqorian branch and it is connected by three dioceses.1) the Armenian diocese of all eastern Azerbaijan and western Azerbaijan. Centre is settled in Tebriz. 2) Isfahan and south Iranian province diocese 3) Tehran and North Iran province diocese. All these three dioceses are independent and depend on Cilikia house in Livan.
Additionally, Armenian Catholics also have catholic churches in Iran.
Iran gave permission to Armenia to open religious, social, rest and entertainment places. These places are operated by the Armenian churches. The Dioceses received independent authority and can operate all the aspects of Armenians life in Iran. Dioceses are known as independent organizations by Iran.
All these activities are realized by the community. This community can be elected by Armenian participants for a 4 years period.

Armenian schools were opened by the Iranian government and also salary repayment is realized by the Iranian government. But control of those schools is realized by the Armenian churches. Additional expenses are paid by the churches or by rich Armenians. The curriculum is in the Persian language. But Armenians also have permission to use Armenian languages and Gregorian branch or Christian religious. Even here kindergartens are available. Personal staff for Armenian schools are organized by Armenian churches. It is known that in 1961 Tehran dioceses opened evening schools for helping to learn the Armenian language. For a while it closed, but in 1981 it reopened. The learning period for the Armenian language is 3 years. Also it is known that Azad Islam University prepares students from Armenian languages and literature.

Currently, 28 Armenian schools are available in Tehran and 7000 people study in these schools. Moreover around Tehran dioceses, 25 Armenian organizations and clubs are available. In these organizations and clubs only Armenians can participate and discuss issues on culture, sport, entertainment and charitable causes. There are some famous clubs, such as; “Ararat”, “Siban”, “Caharmahal”, “Nairi”, “Raffi” and etc. In these clubs and organizations Armenians can participate as though in their native land. However, women do not need to wear a scarf. And men can drink alcohol. Additionally, “Iran/Armenians social-cultural society”, “Armenian women’s society”, “serderabad club”, “Vaspurakan”-Armenian poets, writer, architecture and doctors society, “Women friends of churches”, “Armenian craftsman society of Iran” are busy.Currently, 11 churches are available in Tehran and 16 around Tehran.

There are printing centers in the dioceses. In these dioceses several journals, newspapers and books about Armenian history in Armenian languages are printed. Last year many printing houses opened. Now, “Alik” newspaper, “Peyman”, “Ararat”, “Abagah”, “Araks”, “Luis” journals in the Armenian languages are printed.

The Iranian government helps to Armenians with these printed materials. Additionally, the Iranian government helps to repair Armenian schools, entertainment centers and churches.

In churches in Tehran, Isfahan, Abadan, Urmiye and Ehvaz, Armenians built monuments about 1915 “Armenian genocide” and every year on 25 April Armenians spend their measure.On the whole, Armenians indicate that the Iranian government helps in all aspects