Iran, formerly known as Persia, is one of the oldest civilizations of the world. Iranians/Persians were of the Zoroastrian faith, converted to Islam following the 7th century Arab-Islamic conquest. A southwestern Asian country with a population of over 60 million, Iran is home to different national and ethnic groups, including the Fars (majority), Azaris, Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Lors, Turkmens and Baluchis. The official language is Farsi or Persian. Iranians are predominantly Shi'i Muslims but there are different religious minorities including Sunni Moslems, Christians of various denominations, Jews, Zoroastrians and Bahai'is. Like other nations, Iran has a considerable secular laity.

Origin

Iranians are a relatively new community in Canada. As late as WWII there were only about a dozen Iranians in the country. Immigration remained very low through the 1950s and 60s, ranging from less than ten to over a hundred annually. In the 1970s the rate increased, from about a hundred a year to close to 600 in 1978. During this period, a growing number of visa students came to Canada. After the 1979 Iranian revolution that overthrew the monarchy and brought the Islamic government to power, immigration figures rose to over a thousand per year. In the 1980s and during most of the 1990s several thousand Iranians came to Canada each year.

Before the 1970s Iranians migrated to Canada mostly for educational and economic or investment opportunities. However, the majority who came later, particularly in the 1980s, were escaping political and religious persecution, and cultural and social repression imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Iran-Iraq war. In the 1990s, in addition to political refugees, a growing number of Iranians came to Canada as entrepreneurs and investors, for example, in 1994 immigration data showed that over 12% of Iranian immigrants were entrepreneurs and investors.

Demography

According to the 2006 census, there were 121 510 Iranians in Canada (99 225 single response and 54 475 multiple response). This represents a 38% increase over the 2001 census figure of 88 225.

The vast majority of Iranian immigrants come from urban areas, particularly large and mid-size cities, and they continue to live in major urban centres in Canada. The 2006 census recorded 70 590 people of Iranian origin living in Ontario, with 81% living in Toronto. Over 90% of the people of Iranian heritage live in three provinces; 58% in Ontario, 10% in Quebec and 24% in British Columbia.

Economic Life

With their relatively high level of education, Iranians are involved in a wide variety of economic activities, ranging from self-employed small and medium-size businesses, to large businesses. There are also several Iranian business tycoons in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Many are involved in the import/export business, particularly in trade with Iran, and in items such as Persian carpets, which in recent years have become more popular in Canada. In terms of occupational groups, Iranians fall into diverse categories including workers, shopkeepers, civil servants, cab drivers, managers, academics, lawyers, physicians, real estate agents, scientists, artists, engineers, computer specialists, journalists, teachers and social workers. Consistent with the young average age of the community, a significant number of Iranians are students at primary, secondary and post-secondary education institutions.

Community and Cultural Life

As a relatively new immigrant community, and compared with older immigrant communities, the Iranian community does not yet have a high level of cohesion. Iranians are spread throughout the cities in which they reside and there is no "little Iran" in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Diverse backgrounds in terms of class, ethnicity, religion, politics and ideology, along with Iranians' enormous capacity for assimilation, contribute to the community's relative incohesiveness. Yet Iranians share a great pride in their culture and history; instead of a single group, they form a vibrant mix of sub-communities sharing a common language and history.

The Iranian passion for poetry and literature forms the basis of regular gatherings in different cities, sometimes several times a month, where Iranian poets and writers, both visiting and local, recite their works. There is also a wide variety of other cultural activities, including concerts, plays, film screenings, sports and art exhibitions. The Iranian Writers' Association of Canada, the Iranian Artists' Association of Ontario and the Centre Culturelle et Communautaire des Iranians in Montréal are among many volunteer organizations established by the community to enhance literacy and artistic activities. There are several Farsi/Persian weekly and monthly newspapers, radio and TV programs, video and music stores, and Persian bookstores in major Canadian cities. As the Iranian community grows larger, and other Canadians acquire the taste for Persian cuisine, an increasing number of Persian cafes, restaurants and the popular "chelo-kebabis" are also being opened in large cities.

Practising Muslim Iranians, in addition to familial institutions, use the already existing mosques and Islamic institutions established by the larger Muslim community in Canada.

Political Life

Iranians' participation in the electoral process is still limited. Yet there are indications that the level of participation is on the rise. In the 1997 provincial elections in Ontario, there were two Iranian candidates on the NDP list and several Iranian candidates ran for the Board of Education. However, many Iranians, the majority of whom came to Canada as political refugees, are preoccupied with the politics of Iran. In addition to political opposition groups and organizations, there exists a multitude of human rights organizations dealing with the situation of political prisoners and political refugees, such as the Organization for the Defence of Political Prisoners in Iran, the Society for the Defence of Refugees and the Council of Refugees.

Group Maintenance

Though familial ties are strong in Iranian households, the realities of immigration and exile have taken a toll on family relations. As in other communities, Iranian families experience conflicts, both between couples and between parents and their children. Having gained economic independence and access to supportive social institutions, many Iranian women are questioning patriarchal relations and increasingly demand change in traditional familial relations. The new realities lead to improved family relations in some cases and divorce in others. Tension is also felt between the first- and second-generation Iranians who are mostly younger and are being brought up with different values and norms.

There are many support organizations for the Iranian community. The Iranian Associations in each of the provinces are notable examples. Among their numerous activities and initiatives, they provide services to new immigrants, organize classes and run Persian libraries. As well there are several family counselling organizations, women's associations and women's magazines dealing with family and women's issues. To preserve the Persian heritage language, which is cherished by all Iranian households, there are Persian schools and classes throughout Canada's major urban centres. Many Canadian agencies and organizations have sections that specifically provide services to Iranian-Canadians.

Author: SAEED RAHNEMA
Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia