Religious Minorities in Iran

This book explores the political and ideological relationship between religious minorities in Iran and the state.

Eliz Sanasarian (Author)

9780521029742, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 November 2006

252 pages, 9 b/w illus. 4 tables
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.385 kg

'This is an important and original book which will make a significant contribution to the literature on minorities.' The Middle East

Eliz Sanasarian's book explores the political and ideological relationship between non-Muslim religious minorities in Iran and the state during the formative years of the Islamic Republic to the present day. Her analysis is based on a detailed examination of the history and experiences of the Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Jews, Zoroastrians, Bahais and Iranian Christians, and describes how these communities have responded to state policies regarding minorities. Many of her findings are constructed out of personal interviews with members of these communities. While the book is essentially an empirical study, it also highlights more general questions associated with exclusion and marginalization and the role of the state in defining these boundaries. This is an important and original book which will make a significant contribution to the literature on minorities and to the workings of the Islamic Republic.

List of illustrations
List of tables
Preface
Acknowledgements
Notes on transliteration and bibliography
Glossary
Introduction: an overview of politics and society
1. Ethnic anatomy and politics of non-Muslim minorities
2. The Assembly of Experts: debut in the year of destiny
3. Policy sphere of recognized religious minorities
4. Distinctions and designations as policy output
5. Prevalent responses of recognized religious minorities
Conclusion: the perils of marginality
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Political control & freedoms [JPV]