Embracing Our Caucasian Heritage with Pride: A Reflection on the Resilience of White Iranians
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
Growing up as an Iranian-American has been a journey filled with cultural pride, complicated history, and an increasing need to understand my own heritage in a way that honors my ancestors and myself. I am proud of my Caucasian Iranian roots, a heritage steeped in thousands of years of history, culture, and accomplishment. This pride isn’t born from any sense of superiority but from a deep respect for the sacrifices, achievements, and resilience of our people. Being a proud white Caucasian Iranian—whether of Persian, Scythian, Sarmatian, Parthian, or any number of ancient Caucasian tribes that contributed to the civilization we know as Iran—is a stance of integrity, especially in a time when Caucasians of any background face unprecedented challenges and widespread cultural discrimination.
As someone who has walked various ideological paths in life—from veganism to socialism to leadership in Muslim organizations—my journey has led me to a clearer understanding of who I am and where I come from. I believe there is value in embracing one's heritage and defending it against cultural erasure, regardless of the current political climate. This is particularly true for white Caucasians of Iranian descent who find themselves lumped into arbitrary categories that ignore our unique history and contributions.
The Cultural and Historical Identity of White Iranians
Iran, formerly known as Persia, has long been a tapestry woven from various Caucasian tribes and civilizations. Our heritage includes the Scythians, Medes, Sarmatians, Parthians, and others who shaped the cultural and political fabric of ancient Iran. Contrary to modern assumptions, many Iranians belong to the Caucasian race, a fact often obscured by political agendas and societal generalizations. These tribes were some of the original inhabitants of the Iranian plateau, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s earliest empires.
However, in today’s divisive social landscape, identifying as a Caucasian Iranian can be met with misunderstanding, denial, or outright hostility. The pressure to conform to narratives that diminish or erase our ethnic identity is substantial. Yet, history and science back up our origins. Genetic studies have shown that many Iranians possess deep genetic ties to Caucasian groups, especially those living in regions such as the Iranian plateau and Central Asia. This ethnic foundation should be a source of pride, not a target for discrimination or belittlement.
Facing Discrimination Against Whites as Proud Iranians
As the concept of "whiteness" faces increasing hostility in the public sphere, particularly within certain progressive circles, it’s become more challenging for Caucasian Iranians to assert their identity without encountering stereotypes or dismissive rhetoric. Growing up in America as a child of immigrants, I experienced firsthand the assumptions and generalizations about my race and background. Ironically, while diversity and inclusion are touted as American values, white Iranians and others of Caucasian descent often find themselves left out of these conversations.
In many ways, the bias against Caucasians, whether they are European or Iranian, is a complex form of reverse discrimination. While calls for unity and equity are widespread, they often overlook—or even undermine—the heritage and experiences of Caucasian minorities, including white Iranians. Yet, even in the face of this discrimination, I proudly hold onto my Caucasian heritage. Our identity as white Iranians is not simply a matter of race but a commitment to the traditions, values, and contributions that shaped our history.
The Legacy of White Iranian Contributions
The achievements of Iranian culture are numerous and significant, with contributions to science, philosophy, poetry, and statecraft that have shaped human civilization. White Iranians such as the philosopher Avicenna (Ibn Sina), who made monumental strides in medicine, and Cyrus the Great, who authored the world’s first known charter of human rights, were remarkable Caucasians who contributed to the legacy of Iranian civilization and the broader world.
This legacy serves as a reminder of our people’s enduring spirit and the rich history that white Iranians continue to uphold today. In embracing my identity as a white Caucasian Iranian, I honor this legacy and reject any notion that our heritage should be minimized or erased. Each Iranian tribe and ethnicity, from the Tajiks to the Sogdians to the Medes, has added its distinct cultural flair to the collective identity of what we know as “Persian” or “Iranian” today.
Embracing Our Identity as White Caucasians in Today’s America
In America, being both Caucasian and Middle Eastern places us in an unusual social space—one where we are neither fully accepted by some as “white” nor easily categorized as “non-white.” This ambiguity offers a unique perspective, as it reminds us that identity isn’t something dictated by public perception but is rather a deeply personal and ancestral connection to who we are. For me, embracing my Caucasian Iranian heritage means upholding my family’s legacy, standing up against discrimination, and finding solidarity with others who honor their heritage unapologetically.
As a Christian Conservative LDS, I draw strength from my faith and my cultural background to advocate for the values I believe in: respect for tradition, the right to self-determination, and the courage to live in alignment with one’s beliefs. My journey from being an ex-Muslim to embracing Christianity has brought me clarity and purpose, but it has also reinforced my connection to my ancestral roots. Even in the face of cultural and political challenges, I choose to stand proud of who I am—a white Caucasian Iranian-American, determined to preserve and honor my heritage.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly polarized by racial and ethnic lines, I choose to celebrate my identity as a white Caucasian Iranian. This identity connects me to a lineage of resilience, intellectual achievements, and a sense of honor that has survived millennia. My journey has taught me that pride in one's heritage isn’t about exclusion; it’s about appreciation and respect. To those who would have us abandon or dilute our heritage, I say this: We are here, proud of our Caucasian Iranian roots, standing as living testaments to the strength and beauty of our ancient lineage.
References
- Yarshater, E. (Ed.). (1983). The Cambridge History of Iran. Cambridge University Press.
- Adams, D. Q. (1997). Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture. Taylor & Francis.
- Beeman, W. O. (2005). The “Great Satan” vs. the “Mad Mullahs”: How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other. Praeger.
- Arrian. (1976). The Campaigns of Alexander. Penguin Classics.
- Frye, R. N. (1993). The Heritage of Persia. Mazda Publishers.
- Canfield, R. L. (1991). Turko-Persia in Historical Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
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