Hazara People In Iran: A Journey Of Resilience And Identity
The story of the Hazara people in Iran is one deeply woven into the fabric of history, migration, and the enduring quest for identity and belonging. As an ethnolinguistic group primarily from the mountainous heartland of Afghanistan, known as Hazarajat, their presence in Iran is significant, shaped by centuries of geopolitical shifts, persecution, and the constant search for safety. This article delves into the rich history, cultural ties, and ongoing challenges faced by the Hazara community residing within Iran's borders, exploring their unique position within the broader Iranian society and the global diaspora.
Despite shared religious and linguistic connections with the Iranian populace, the experience of Hazaras in Iran is complex, marked by both cultural integration and distinct vulnerabilities. Understanding their journey requires a look at their origins, the forces that led to their migration, their current demographic landscape, and the socio-economic realities they navigate daily. This exploration aims to shed light on the resilience of a people who have faced historical marginalization and continue to seek recognition and security.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Hazara Identity
- Historical Roots and Migrations to Iran
- Hazara People in Iran: Demographics and Distribution
- Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Hazara in Iran
- Cultural and Linguistic Ties: Shared Heritage with Iran
- The Broader Hazara Diaspora and Global Awareness
- The Resilience of the Hazara People
- Looking Ahead: The Future of Hazara in Iran
Understanding the Hazara Identity
The Hazara are a distinct ethnolinguistic group whose origins are primarily rooted in the mountainous region of central Afghanistan, famously known as Hazarajat. Their unique identity is often recognized by their Central Asian Turkic and Mongolic features, a testament to their historical lineage. Indeed, historical accounts suggest that Hazara people are Turkic people and descendants of the Kushans, with Mongol influences present in less than ten percent of Hazaras. The very name "Hazara" originally referred to a fighting unit of 1,000 men, a term that has evolved over time to simply mean "mountain tribe," now used in reference to the mountain settlements they inhabit across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
Beyond their physical characteristics, the Hazara are distinguished by their cultural and linguistic heritage. They speak Hazaragi, a variety of Persian, which further connects them to the broader Persian-speaking world, including Iran. Furthermore, the vast majority of Hazaras are Shi'i Muslims, a religious affiliation that aligns them with Iran's predominant faith. This shared religious identity, however, does not always translate into seamless integration or political solidarity, as the complexities of their historical persecution and refugee status often overshadow these commonalities.
Historical Roots and Migrations to Iran
The presence of Hazara people in Iran is not a recent phenomenon but rather a continuation of historical movements and displacements. The Hazara Khawari (Berberi) are a people of Mongolian descent who immigrated from Afghanistan to Iran in the nineteenth century, driven by a confluence of political unrest, persecution, and economic hardship. This migration intensified significantly following periods of extreme violence in Afghanistan. Prior to the devastating genocide of 1880, areas like present-day Herat and northwest Afghanistan, which were historically under Iranian influence, were predominantly Hazara regions. It is said that anyone wanting to rule Herat needed the blessings of the Hazara commanders, indicating their strong historical presence and influence in the region.
The late 19th century proved to be a particularly brutal period for the Hazara. Following their involvement in a succession struggle and subsequent rebellion against the new Afghan government, they faced severe reprisals. Three revolts over the last 15 years of the century culminated in a horrific outcome: as many as 65% of the Hazara population were either massacred or forcibly displaced to neighboring countries like Pakistan or Iran. This systematic persecution cemented a long history of marginalization that continues to impact their communities today. The Hazara people, due to the Taliban’s harsh and discriminatory policies, have been forced to flee Afghanistan in large numbers, seeking refuge in distant and neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran.
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The Ilkhanid Connection
While the major migrations of Hazaras to Iran are more recent, historical ties extend further back. The Ilkhanid dynasty, a Mongol khanate that ruled over parts of West Asia from the 13th to the 14th century, had a significant impact on the region. Although the Ilkhanid dynasty ended in 1335, with only smaller areas remaining under their rule, their presence contributed to the complex ethnic and cultural tapestry of the region, including the areas where Hazaras traditionally resided. This historical connection, though not a direct cause of modern Hazara migration, hints at the long-standing interactions and movements of peoples across the Iran-Afghanistan borderlands. The history of Hazara people was mostly written by their enemies, who often tried to change or destroy their great cultural and historical background.
Hazara People in Iran: Demographics and Distribution
Today, significant communities of Hazara people reside in Iran, forming a vital part of the country's diverse population. According to 2015 data compiled by the United Nations, there are around 951,000 Afghan refugees in Iran, and many of them are Hazaras. More specifically, estimates suggest that about 1.7 million Hazaras live on the territory of Iran, making it one of the largest Hazara populations outside of Afghanistan itself, where approximately 2.5 million Hazaras reside. Pakistan also hosts a substantial Hazara community, numbering around 1 million.
Within Iran, those living in the country are mostly found in the eastern province of Khorasan, a region that shares a border with Afghanistan and has historically served as a gateway for migration. However, Hazara communities can also be found in other parts of Iran, particularly in urban centers where opportunities for work and livelihood might be more accessible. Beyond these immediate neighbors, a significant Hazara diaspora is spread across the West, numbering from 400,000 to 500,000 persons, a testament to their global dispersal in search of safety and better lives.
The Khawari and Berberi Designations
In Iran, the Hazara people are also referred to as Khāwari (Persian) or Berberi. These terms are often used interchangeably to denote their ethnic identity within the Iranian context. While the broader term "Hazara" is universally recognized, these local designations reflect the historical and cultural interactions between the Hazara community and the Iranian populace. It's worth noting that while the majority of Hazaras are Shi'ite, there is a subtribe of the Chahar Aimaq known as Hazara who are Sunni, highlighting the internal diversity within the broader Hazara ethnic group. Other groups believed to be related to the Hazaras but identified by other names include Taimanis and Tatars, further illustrating the complex ethnolinguistic landscape of the region.
Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Hazara in Iran
Despite their shared religious and linguistic heritage with Iran, the Hazara people in Iran often face significant challenges and discrimination, primarily due to their status as refugees or undocumented migrants. Many Hazaras, like Nasrin's family who fled to Iran in the 1980s following persecution in Afghanistan, have experienced regular harassment. Nasrin explains, "Hazara people are distinguished based on their appearance, so we get targeted a lot." This physical distinction, often linked to their Mongolic features, makes them vulnerable to abuse and discrimination in various aspects of life.
The challenges extend beyond personal harassment to systemic barriers. Hazaras in Iran often struggle to access essential services, including healthcare and education. Nasrin notes that Hazaras are vulnerable to abuse and cannot access essential services or attend school there, highlighting a critical gap in their human rights. Furthermore, their refugee status often means they continue to receive minimal international support in terms of protection or resettlement to third countries, leaving them in a precarious limbo. This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that many Hazaras are residents of Iran due to the war and persecution in Afghanistan, yet these factors do not imply a tight connection between Hazaras and the Iranian government in terms of guaranteed rights or protection.
Cultural and Linguistic Ties: Shared Heritage with Iran
The Hazara people share profound cultural and linguistic connections with Iran, which theoretically should foster a sense of belonging and ease of integration. Both the majority of Hazaras and Iranians are Shi'a Muslims, a powerful bond that transcends national borders and forms a common religious identity. This shared faith is a cornerstone of their cultural affinity, allowing for shared religious practices, rituals, and a collective spiritual heritage.
Linguistically, the Hazara speak Hazaragi, a dialect of Persian. This means that both Hazaras and Iranians speak Persian, albeit with different dialects. This linguistic commonality facilitates communication and cultural exchange, making it easier for Hazaras to navigate Iranian society compared to groups speaking entirely different languages. Thousands of Hazaras are residents of Iran due to the war and persecution in Afghanistan, and this shared linguistic and religious background is often a primary draw, offering a sense of familiarity in a foreign land.
Beyond Shared Traits: A Complex Relationship
Despite these significant cultural and linguistic commonalities, the relationship between Hazaras and the Iranian government, and indeed parts of Iranian society, is complex and often strained. The shared religion and language do not automatically translate into a tight political connection or full acceptance. The Iranian government's policies towards Afghan refugees, including Hazaras, have often been pragmatic and driven by geopolitical considerations rather than purely humanitarian ones.
For instance, while it is presumed that Iran may come to the protection of Shi'a minorities, the reality on the ground for Hazaras can be different. The Hazara community in Afghanistan, for example, is often described as being "stuck in the middle between Iran and the Taliban," highlighting the precarious position they occupy in regional power dynamics. This demonstrates that while cultural ties exist, they do not always guarantee political protection or alleviate the socio-economic hardships faced by Hazara people in Iran.
The Broader Hazara Diaspora and Global Awareness
The story of the Hazara people in Iran is part of a much larger narrative of a globally dispersed community. While Afghanistan has the largest Hazara population at around 2.7 million individuals, significant communities also exist in Pakistan, with about 1 million, and, as discussed, approximately 1.7 million in Iran. Beyond these neighboring countries, there are also communities of Hazara diaspora spread across the West, numbering from 400,000 to 500,000 persons, demonstrating the widespread impact of their historical persecution and forced migration.
The primary driver for this extensive diaspora has been the relentless persecution and discriminatory policies they have faced, particularly in Afghanistan. Since their forceful integration into the Afghan state, they have endured significant marginalization and violence. The Taliban's harsh policies have compelled large numbers of Hazaras to flee, seeking refuge wherever they can find it, often receiving minimal international support in terms of protection or resettlement to third countries. This continuous displacement underscores the urgent need for global attention and intervention.
Fear of Genocide and International Neglect
The fear of genocide among the Hazara people is not unfounded; it is deeply rooted in their historical experience and the escalating violence against them, especially in the aftermath of the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. Violence against the Hazara population has escalated, leading to a profound fear of the worst under Taliban rule. Despite ample rhetoric on the need to protect religious minorities, regional players have also not stepped in to help the Hazara people effectively. This lack of robust international and regional support leaves Hazara communities, including those who have found a tenuous refuge as Hazara people in Iran, vulnerable to ongoing threats and uncertainties. Members of the Pakistani Hazara community, for instance, often hold placards during protests against attacks on Hazara education centers in Kabul, highlighting the cross-border solidarity and the shared plight.
The Resilience of the Hazara People
Despite the long history of persecution, displacement, and discrimination, the Hazara people have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their ability to maintain their distinct cultural identity, language, and religious practices in the face of immense adversity is a testament to their enduring spirit. In Iran, as in other parts of the diaspora, Hazara communities strive to preserve their heritage through cultural events, community gatherings, and the passing down of traditions to younger generations. They continue to contribute to the societies they inhabit, often working in challenging sectors and building new lives from scratch.
This resilience is not merely about survival; it is about active resistance against erasure. By maintaining their unique ethnolinguistic characteristics and advocating for their rights, Hazaras across the globe, including the Hazara people in Iran, are actively shaping their narrative and ensuring their history is not forgotten. Their continued presence and growth in various parts of the world speak volumes about their determination to thrive despite the odds.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hazara in Iran
The future of the Hazara people in Iran remains intertwined with regional stability, international refugee policies, and Iran's domestic approach to migrant populations. While their shared cultural and religious ties offer a foundation for integration, the challenges of discrimination, limited access to services, and precarious legal status persist. For many Hazaras, Iran represents a temporary haven rather than a permanent home, with hopes for resettlement to third countries or, for some, a safe return to a peaceful Afghanistan.
Addressing the vulnerabilities of Hazaras in Iran requires concerted efforts from both the Iranian government and the international community. Ensuring access to education, healthcare, and legal protections is crucial for their well-being and integration. Furthermore, continued advocacy for their rights and safety in Afghanistan is paramount, as the root causes of their displacement must be addressed to prevent further suffering. The Hazara people in Iran, like their brethren globally, embody a powerful story of survival, identity, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of profound adversity. Their journey continues, a testament to their resilience and a call for greater understanding and support.
We hope this comprehensive article has provided you with valuable insights into the complex reality of the Hazara people in Iran. Their story is a crucial part of the broader human narrative of migration and resilience. What are your thoughts on the challenges faced by the Hazara community? Share your comments below, and don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analyses of global humanitarian issues.
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