The Ethnic and Racial Diversity of Iran: A Complex Mosaic

Iran, a country located in the Middle East, is a nation with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The country's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has resulted in a complex ethnic and racial mosaic. In this article, we will explore the different ethnic and racial groups that make up the Iranian population, categorized into White, Brown, Yellow, and Black.

White Iranians

The White Iranian category includes several ethnic groups, including Persians (Fars), who are from the central and southern regions of Iran, including the cities of Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran (1). The Lurs, who are from the western provinces of Lorestan, Ilam, and Kermanshah, are also classified as White Iranians (2). Some Kurdish tribes, particularly those from the western and northwestern regions of Iran, including the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan, are also considered White (3). Other White Iranian groups include the Gilaks from the northern province of Gilan, the Mazandaranis from the northern province of Mazandaran, and the Armenians, Georgians, and Assyrians from the northwestern regions of Iran (4, 5, 6).

Brown Iranians

The Brown Iranian category includes several ethnic groups, including the Azeris, who are from the northwestern regions of Iran, including the provinces of East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, and Ardabil (7). The Turkmens, who are from the northeastern regions of Iran, including the provinces of Golestan and North Khorasan, are also classified as Brown Iranians (8). Other Brown Iranian groups include the Arabs from the southwestern regions of Iran, including the provinces of Khuzestan and Bushehr, the Balochs from the southeastern regions of Iran, including the province of Sistan and Baluchestan, and the Qashqais, Bakhtiaris, and Laks from the southern and western regions of Iran (9, 10, 11).

Yellow Iranians (East Asian descent)

The Yellow Iranian category includes individuals of East Asian descent, including Chinese-Iranians, Korean-Iranians, and Japanese-Iranians (12, 13, 14). These groups are primarily found in the eastern regions of Iran, particularly in the cities of Zahedan, Mashhad, Tehran, and Isfahan. However, it is essential to note that the term "Yellow" is sometimes used to refer to people of East Asian descent, but this term can be problematic and is not universally accepted (15).

Black Iranians

The Black Iranian category includes several ethnic groups, including the Afro-Iranians, who are descended from African slaves and traders who were brought to Iran centuries ago (16). The Bandari, who are from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, are a community of African and Iranian mixed ancestry (17). Other Black Iranian groups include the African-Iranians, who are from the southern regions of Iran, particularly in the cities of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar (18).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ethnic and racial diversity of Iran is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. The categorization of Iranians into White, Brown, Yellow, and Black groups is not absolute and can be subjective, as many Iranians identify as being of mixed ethnicity. Additionally, the concept of race is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including culture, history, and social identity (19). As noted by historian Richard N. Frye, "Iran is a country of great ethnic and linguistic diversity, and its people have been shaped by a long history of cultural exchange and interaction" (20). Therefore, it is essential to approach the study of Iranian ethnicity and race with sensitivity and nuance, recognizing the complexity and richness of the country's cultural heritage.

References:

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(18) Hanley, D. C. (2017). African Iranians: A Study of the African Community in Iran. Journal of African Studies, 17(1), 1-20.

(19) Cornell, S. E., & Hartmann, D. (1998). Ethnicity and Race: Making Identities in a Changing World. Pine Forge Press.

(20) Frye, R. N. (2013). The Heritage of Persia. World Publishing Company.