The Role of Armenian Representatives in the Islamic Consultative Assembly: Pursuing Rights, Demands, and Challenges

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Haik Sarian ¹

Morteza Noraei ²

¹ Ph.D. student, Department of History, Oral History Center, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

² Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22067/jhistory.2025.95204.1400

Abstract

With the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the participation of all segments of society including the Armenian community in political affairs and lawmaking has taken on a new form. Based on electoral law, two special constituencies for representation of "Armenians of Tehran and Northern Iran" and "Armenians of Isfahan and Southern Iran" have been provided for in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on library sources and the complete transcripts of parliamentary deliberations and examines the performance of Armenian representatives from the first term to the end of the Eleventh Assembly. The findings indicate that these representatives have played a significant role in pursuing the legal and social demands of the Armenian community with an interactive approach and effective cooperation with other representatives and governmental institutions. Among their most significant actions are the reform or modification of certain differences in legal principles such as dīya (blood money), inheritance, the right to testify, annual budget allocation, and other civil matters related to followers of recognized religious communities in Iran.  Moreover, efforts to safeguard cultural identity and promote education in the mother tongue have contributed to strengthening the legal and social basis of this community and reinforcing coexistence and mutual respect between followers of recognized religions and the Iranian society.

Keywords

Islamic Consultative Assembly

Armenian Representatives

Religious Minorities

Social Rights

Subjects

• Other

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