History of the Armenians of Gilan

Based on historical data, Iranians and Armenians have had close relations at least since the Median period, influencing each other’s language, culture, and traditions. The presence of Christians in Gilan is recorded from the early centuries AD. The clearest history of Armenians in Iran dates back to when Shah Abbas of the Safavid dynasty relocated thousands of Armenians from Armenia to Iran. Over time, along with Shah Abbas I’s socio-economic policies, the Armenian migrants gradually found peace, becoming part of Iranian society and sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows, contributing significantly to the growth and prosperity of Iran’s economy, industry, and arts. This book explains the history of the Armenians’ presence and their activities in Gilan. Among the topics covered are the historical settlement of Armenians, their education in Rasht and Anzali, their economy and trade in trading houses, their artistic activities in fields such as cinema, music, painting, photography, and their involvement in the Constitutional Revolution and the Jungle Movement.