The Armenians of Iran: A Community's Enduring Legacy

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the history of the Armenian community in Iran, from its origins in the 11th century to its role in the Safavid Empire under Shah Abbas I. They discuss the forced relocation of Armenians to New Julfa in Isfahan in 1604-1605, the community's flourishing as merchants and artisans, and its contributions to Persian culture and diplomacy. The episode also covers the community's resilience through the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, its experience during the Iranian Revolution of 1979, and its current status as a recognized minority with a member in parliament. Key figures include Shah Abbas I, Archbishop David IV of New Julfa, and Yeprem Khan. The episode touches on the Vank Cathedral, the Armenian printing press, and the community's role in the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1911. The conversation ends with a reflection on how the Armenian-Iranian identity represents a blend of two deep cultures. #ArmenianIranian #NewJulfa #ShahAbbasI #SafavidEmpire #VankCathedral #Isfahan #ArmenianDiaspora #YepremKhan #IranianConstitutionalRevolution #ArmenianMerchants #SilkRoad #ArmenianPrintingPress #History #FexingoHistory #CaucasusHistory #IranHistory #DiasporaStudies #ArmenianCulture Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo