**The Hazara people, an ethnolinguistic group primarily from the mountainous region of central Afghanistan known as Hazārajāt, have a long and often tragic history marked by persecution and displacement. Over many years, due to political unrest, targeted killings, and systematic violence in Afghanistan, significant numbers of Hazaras have migrated to neighboring countries, with Iran emerging as a primary destination. Despite sharing a predominant Shia Muslim faith and speaking Persian, albeit with different dialects, the lives of Hazara refugees and residents in Iran are far from simple, characterized by unique challenges and a complex relationship with their host country.** This article delves into the intricate story of the Hazara community in Iran, exploring their historical roots, reasons for migration, the realities of their daily lives, and the geopolitical dynamics that shape their existence. The presence of Hazaras in Iran is a testament to enduring human resilience in the face of adversity. Their journey is not merely a tale of migration but a profound narrative of identity, survival, and the constant search for belonging amidst a backdrop of historical injustices and ongoing discrimination. Understanding the Hazara experience in Iran requires a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both the shared cultural and religious ties and the significant hurdles they face as a marginalized group. ## Table of Contents * [Who are the Hazara People?](#who-are-the-hazara-people) * [A History of Persecution and Displacement](#a-history-of-persecution-and-displacement) * [The Hazara Migration to Iran: A Refuge of Sorts](#the-hazara-migration-to-iran-a-refuge-of-sorts) * [Life as Hazara Refugees in Iran: Challenges and Discrimination](#life-as-hazara-refugees-in-iran-challenges-and-discrimination) * [Socio-Economic Hardships and Identity Struggles](#socio-economic-hardships-and-identity-struggles) * [The Paradox of Shared Faith and Language](#the-paradox-of-shared-faith-and-language) * [Iran's Religious and Political Influence on the Hazara](#irans-religious-and-political-influence-on-the-hazara) * [The Fatimiyun Division: A Controversial Enlistment](#the-fatimiyun-division-a-controversial-enlistment) * [Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape](#navigating-a-complex-geopolitical-landscape) * [Cultural Identity and Preservation](#cultural-identity-and-preservation) * [The Path Forward: Advocacy and Recognition](#the-path-forward-advocacy-and-recognition) ## Who are the Hazara People? The Hazara people are an ethnolinguistic group primarily originating from the mountainous heartland of central Afghanistan, a region historically known as Hazārajāt. Their name, "Hazara," originally referred to a fighting unit of 1,000 men, reflecting their historical military prowess. Today, the term simply means "mountain tribe," a reference to their traditional settlements in the rugged terrains of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. In Iran, the Hazara people are also referred to as Khāwari or Berberis, names that have been used to identify them. The Hazara Khawari (Berberi) are widely considered to be of Mongolian descent, having immigrated from Afghanistan to Iran primarily in the nineteenth century. While the majority of Hazaras are Shia Muslims, aligning them religiously with Iran's predominant faith, it's important to note that there is a subtribe of the Chahar Aimaq known as Hazara who are Sunni, unlike most Hazaras who are Shi'ite. This highlights the internal diversity within the broader Hazara community. Significant communities of Hazara people exist not only in Afghanistan but also in Quetta, Pakistan, and Mashhad, Iran, forming crucial parts of the Hazara and Afghan diasporas. Their distinct "Asian face" often makes them visibly identifiable, a characteristic that, unfortunately, has frequently contributed to their targeting and discrimination in various contexts. ## A History of Persecution and Displacement The history of the Hazara community is deeply scarred by a long and brutal legacy of persecution, discrimination, and violence. This tragic narrative dates back to the late 19th century, specifically to the reign of Abdur Rahman Khan, who was the Amir of Afghanistan from 1880 to his death in 1901. During this period, the Hazaras faced systematic suppression that ranged from the imposition of unwarranted taxes to direct assaults on their land and harvests. The repression escalated to include massacres, widespread looting and pillaging of their homes, and even the enslavement of Hazara children, women, and men. Adding to their suffering, Shi’a clerics were systematically replaced with their Sunni religious counterparts, further undermining their religious and cultural identity. Between 1888 and 1893, a devastating period saw nearly 60% of the Hazaras massacred, and their ancestral lands were seized by the Pashtuns. This act of genocide fundamentally altered the demographic and social landscape of Afghanistan. Prior to this horrific period, present-day Herat and the northwest of Afghanistan, which were historically under Iranian influence, were predominantly Hazara areas. The power and influence of the Hazara people were such that anyone wanting to rule Herat needed the blessings of the Hazara army commanders, underscoring their historical significance and military strength. The persecution did not end with Abdur Rahman Khan's reign; it has continued into the present day under various regimes, including the Taliban. This ongoing violence, coupled with political instability and targeted killings, has forced countless Hazaras to seek refuge outside their homeland, leading to significant diaspora communities in neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan. The trauma of this history is deeply embedded in the collective memory of the Hazara people, shaping their identity and their experiences as refugees and migrants. ## The Hazara Migration to Iran: A Refuge of Sorts The continuous political unrest, war, and persecution in Afghanistan have driven waves of Hazara migration to Iran for decades. This exodus intensified significantly following the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and has continued unabated through periods of civil war, the rise of the Taliban, and ongoing targeted killings, which many refer to as the Hazara genocide. Thousands of Hazaras have become residents of Iran, seeking safety and a semblance of stability away from the violence that plagued their homeland. According to 2015 data compiled by the United Nations, there were approximately 951,000 Afghan refugees in Iran, with a substantial number of them being Hazaras. Another 1.56 million Afghan refugees, including many Hazaras, were recorded in Pakistan during the same period. These figures underscore the scale of displacement and the critical role Iran has played as a host country. Many Hazara families, like Nasrin's, fled to Iran in the 1980s, escaping the immediate threat of persecution and violence. For many Hazaras, Iran, with its shared Shia faith and Persian language, seemed like a natural destination. It offered a perceived sanctuary where they might integrate more easily than in other countries. However, as the following sections will reveal, the reality of life for Hazara refugees in Iran is often far more complex and challenging than these apparent similarities might suggest. While Iran has provided a physical refuge, it has not always offered the full embrace of belonging or protection of rights that many Hazaras hoped for. ## Life as Hazara Refugees in Iran: Challenges and Discrimination Despite the shared religious and linguistic ties, Hazara refugees in Iran face a profoundly stressful and difficult life, largely due to numerous restrictions and bylaws imposed on Afghan refugees. For many, the hope of finding a secure and dignified life quickly dissipates in the face of systemic discrimination and limited access to basic rights. They are often regarded as one of the most discriminated minority groups in Iran. A significant factor contributing to their marginalization is their distinct "Asian face." This physical characteristic often leads Iranian police and the general populace to identify them as Afghan, regardless of their specific ethnic background. This immediate identification frequently makes them targets for harassment and abuse. Nasrin, a Hazara refugee whose family fled to Iran in the 1980s, explains, "Hazara people are distinguished based on their appearance, so we get targeted a lot." This vulnerability means that Hazaras often cannot access essential services, attend school, or secure stable employment, trapping many in a cycle of poverty and precarity. ### Socio-Economic Hardships and Identity Struggles The restrictions placed on Afghan refugees, which disproportionately affect Hazaras, manifest in severe socio-economic hardships. Many Hazaras are migrant workers, often undertaking arduous journeys, sometimes stopping in places like Quetta, Pakistan, before continuing to Iran in search of work. However, even upon arrival, they face significant barriers to legal employment, housing, and healthcare. This precarious existence means they are often exploited in the informal labor market, working long hours for meager wages with no legal protection. The constant identification as "Afghan" and the associated discrimination can also lead to an internal struggle with identity. While they share cultural and linguistic roots with Afghanistan, their experiences in Iran, coupled with their distinct Hazara identity, create a unique position. They are often caught between their ancestral homeland, which has historically persecuted them, and their host country, which, despite offering refuge, denies them full integration and rights. This dual marginalization can be deeply isolating. ### The Paradox of Shared Faith and Language A striking paradox in the Hazara experience in Iran is the disconnect between their shared majority Shia Muslim faith and the Persian language, and the lack of a "tight connection" with the Iranian government. While both groups are predominantly Shia and speak Persian (albeit with different dialects), these factors do not automatically translate into acceptance or equal treatment for Hazara refugees. The religious and linguistic commonalities might offer a superficial sense of familiarity, but they do not override the legal and social barriers that define the Hazara's refugee status. Historically, the Hazara have often fought in Iran's armies and visited the shrines of Shia Imams in Iran and Iraq, underscoring a deep-seated religious and cultural affinity. Today, Iran continues to exert significant religious influence among the Hazara, funding mosques and universities. Many Shi'ite clergy from the Hazara community have studied in prominent Iranian religious centers like Qom and Mashhad, looking to Iran for leadership. However, this religious influence does not equate to political or social integration. The Iranian government's policies towards Afghan refugees, including Hazaras, are primarily driven by national security and economic considerations, often prioritizing control and deterrence over full humanitarian integration. ## Iran's Religious and Political Influence on the Hazara Iran's role as the epicenter of Shia Islam and Afghanistan's only Shia neighbor naturally grants it a robust religious influence among the Hazara people. This influence is not merely historical; it is actively cultivated. Iran funds mosques and universities within Hazara communities, and many Hazara Shi'ite clergy have historically looked to Iran for leadership, undertaking religious studies in revered cities like Qom and Mashhad. This deep religious connection has often intertwined with political dynamics. Initially, Ayatollah Khomeini was popular among the Hazaras when he came to power, symbolizing a beacon of Shia resurgence. However, his influence among the Hazara community declined after the rise of Abdul Ali Mazari, a prominent Hazara leader who promoted a strong Hazara nationalism. Mazari's emphasis on Hazara ethnic and political self-determination often offended Iran, as it challenged the notion of a singular, unified Shia identity under Iranian leadership, highlighting the complex interplay between religious solidarity and ethnic nationalism. ### The Fatimiyun Division: A Controversial Enlistment One of the most significant and controversial manifestations of Iran's influence among Hazara refugees is the formation of the "Fatimiyun" division within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This voluntary brigade, comprised of Hazara refugees from Afghanistan, has now grown into a full division. Its soldiers, after undergoing special training in Iranian military bases, are then deployed to Syria to fight alongside the country’s army against various rebel groups. The existence of the Fatimiyun division raises complex ethical and humanitarian questions. While some Hazaras may join for ideological reasons, many are believed to be driven by economic desperation, seeking a steady income, the promise of residency, or other benefits for their families in Iran. This enlistment of refugees into a foreign military conflict, particularly one as contentious as the Syrian civil war, highlights the vulnerable position of Hazaras in Iran, where their precarious status can be leveraged for geopolitical objectives. It also places them in a difficult position, potentially making them targets and further complicating their ability to return to or integrate into their home communities. ### Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape The Hazara community, particularly those in Afghanistan, often finds itself caught in the middle of a complex geopolitical struggle involving Iran and the Taliban. Historically, the Hazara were a dominant force in regions like Herat when it was under Iranian influence, with their army commanders holding significant sway. Today, their situation is far more precarious. The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, coupled with the Taliban's resurgence, puts the Hazara at extreme risk, leading them to demand cooperation with an internationally isolated Iran, their Shia neighbor. The relationship is fraught with tension. While Iran provides religious and, at times, military support (through the Fatimiyun), it also maintains a strict refugee policy that restricts Hazara rights and opportunities. The Hazara community is acutely aware that their survival and well-being are often dependent on navigating the complex and sometimes contradictory interests of regional powers. This delicate balance underscores the deep challenges they face in securing their future, both within Iran and in their ancestral homeland. ## Cultural Identity and Preservation Despite centuries of persecution, displacement, and the pressures of assimilation, the Hazara people have maintained a distinct and resilient cultural identity. Their identity is intrinsically linked to their mountainous origins, a concept reflected in the modern meaning of "Hazara" as simply a "mountain tribe" used in reference to their settlements across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. This connection to the land and their unique ethnolinguistic heritage forms the bedrock of their cultural preservation efforts. The Hazara people are known for their rich oral traditions, music, and a strong sense of community. Their history of resistance and survival has forged a collective identity that transcends geographical boundaries. In the diaspora, organizations like the Hazara Council of Australia have been formed by Hazara communities to preserve their culture, advocate for their rights, and provide support networks for those displaced globally. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that their unique heritage, which includes historical landmarks like the giant Buddha statues that once stood in Bamian, Afghanistan, is not lost to the ravages of conflict and time. The challenges faced by Hazaras in Iran, including limited access to education and the pressure to assimilate, pose significant threats to the transmission of their cultural practices to younger generations. However, the strong communal bonds and the continued connection to their historical roots, often facilitated by religious gatherings and cultural events, play a vital role in keeping their identity alive. The enduring spirit of the Hazara people in maintaining their cultural distinctiveness, even under immense pressure, is a testament to their resilience. ## The Path Forward: Advocacy and Recognition The story of the Hazara in Iran is a poignant reminder of the enduring human cost of conflict and discrimination. While Iran has served as a critical refuge for hundreds of thousands of Hazaras fleeing persecution in Afghanistan, their lives within the country are marked by significant challenges, including widespread discrimination, limited access to basic rights, and a precarious legal status. The paradox of shared faith and language coexisting with systemic marginalization highlights the complex realities faced by this vulnerable community. For the Hazara people, the path forward necessitates greater international recognition of their plight and concerted advocacy for their rights. This includes ensuring access to essential services, education, and legal protections for refugees in Iran, as well as addressing the root causes of their persecution in Afghanistan. Organizations and individuals must continue to raise awareness about the Hazara genocide and the ongoing targeted killings, demanding accountability for past atrocities and protection against future violence. Ultimately, the Hazara community, whether in Afghanistan, Iran, or other parts of the diaspora, seeks dignity, security, and the right to live free from fear and discrimination. Their resilience in the face of relentless adversity is remarkable, but it is not enough. It is imperative that governments, humanitarian organizations, and the global community work collaboratively to provide meaningful support, ensure their basic human rights are upheld, and help them forge a future where their rich cultural heritage can thrive without the shadow of persecution. --- The journey of the Hazara in Iran is a powerful narrative of survival, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. We encourage you to delve deeper into their story, understand the complexities of their lives, and consider how you might contribute to advocating for their rights. Share this article to spread awareness, and explore other resources to learn more about the challenges faced by refugee communities worldwide. Your engagement can make a difference.
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