About this book:

This book examines the multi-layered evolution of the Iranian diaspora from the 1970s to the present, tracing how successive waves of migration—driven by the 1979 Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, and ongoing economic and political repression—have reshaped both the homeland and host societies. By mapping significant urban hubs such as "Tehrangeles," London, Berlin, and Dubai, the text illustrates how these diverse communities are not static enclaves but dynamic transnational formations. It details the complex interplay of class, ethnicity, and gender in determining who leaves and how they integrate, while emphasizing the persistent role of memory and trauma in narrating a lost past.

The work highlights the robust infrastructure of diasporic life, from the creation of "institutions of belonging" like community centers and heritage schools to the maintenance of "households across borders" through remittances and care chains. It explores the tension between faith and secularism, showing how the diaspora has become a testing ground for diverse religious interpretations and a significant turn toward nonbelief. Cultural production serves as a primary vehicle for these negotiations; through literature, cinema, music, and foodways, Iranian exiles and their children perform their identities, bridging the gap between ancestral heritage and their adopted cultures while challenging monolithic global images of Iran.

A central theme of the book is the diaspora’s emergence as a consequential political actor. Through sophisticated media ecologies—including satellite TV and social platforms—the diaspora has forged a transnational public sphere that bypasses state censorship. The text analyzes various political currents, from monarchists to feminists, and their mobilization during pivotal moments like the Green Movement and the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests. However, it also warns of the "policing at a distance" practiced by the Iranian state, which utilizes digital surveillance and harassment to repress dissent even thousands of miles away from Tehran.

Finally, the book looks toward the future, considering the complexities of return, circular migration, and the "model minority" myths that complicate integration in hostlands. It argues that for second and third generations, "home" has become a fluid, transnational concept rather than a singular geographic location. Ultimately, the book positions the Iranian diaspora not as a side story to national history, but as a primary engine of Iran's global presence, perpetually reimagining the nation through a blend of memory, innovation, and persistent political engagement.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Traces the historical waves of Iranian migration since the 1970s, from revolutionary exiles and war refugees to contemporary economic migrants and those fleeing repression
• Examines how Iranian diaspora communities form and evolve across global hubs, from Tehrangeles and European cities to Istanbul, Dubai, and beyond
• Explores identity formation across generations, with special focus on second-generation hyphenated identities and boundary work between cultures
• Analyzes cultural production (literature, film, music, food, and digital media) as a means of preserving, contesting, and reimagining Iranian identity abroad
• Investigates transnational political engagement, activism, and advocacy efforts alongside challenges of repression, surveillance, and hostland discrimination

Who's It For:

This book is essential reading for scholars and students of migration studies, diaspora studies, and Middle Eastern affairs, particularly those interested in Iran's contemporary history and transnational dynamics. It will also benefit policymakers, journalists, and activists working on Iran-related issues who seek a nuanced understanding of how diaspora communities shape global perceptions of Iran. Members of the Iranian diaspora seeking to contextualize their own experiences within broader historical, social, and political patterns will find valuable insights. The interdisciplinary approach makes it accessible to readers in sociology, political science, anthropology, cultural studies, and international relations.