AfroIranian

Afro-Iranian refers to Iranians and residents of Iran whose ancestry traces to African populations. The presence of Africans in the region dates back centuries, linked to trade across the Persian Gulf and to the historical slave networks that connected East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula with Iran. Slavery was abolished in the early 20th century, after which Afro-Iranian families continued to live in Iran and contribute to its society.

In contemporary Iran, Afro-Iranian communities are most visible in southern coastal provinces along the Persian Gulf, especially Hormozgan and Bushehr, with settlements on islands such as Qeshm. Smaller populations exist in major urban centers, including Tehran, reflecting internal migration patterns. The exact size of the community is not precisely documented in official statistics.

Culturally, Afro-Iranian communities contribute to Iran’s diversity through music, dance, and social practices shaped by African diaspora influences alongside Persian culture. Language use varies: Persian is the dominant language, but some families retain vocabulary or features linked to African heritage, and cultural practices may reflect mixed influences from African and Middle Eastern traditions.

The Afro-Iranian presence is recognized in academic and cultural discussions as part of Iran’s broader ethnic and diaspora landscape. As with many minority communities, experiences of identity, integration, and discrimination are context-dependent and evolving within Iranian society.