Iranian Policies

Explore policies, laws, and decrees impacting Jewish communities in Iran.

Laws and decrees

Policies that Shaped Jewish Life in Iran

Iranian Jews have lived under very different legal regimes, from dhimmi rules to constitutional equality to the limits of the Islamic Republic.

640s to 1906	Under Muslim rule, Jews live as dhimmis, paying a special tax and, at various times, forced to wear distinguishing clothing or badges.
1650s and 1839	Forced conversions under the Safavids and, in 1839, of the entire Jewish community of Mashhad.
1906	The Constitutional Revolution opens the way to legal equality; Jews soon elect a representative to parliament.
1979 to today	The Islamic Republic's constitution recognizes Jews as a religious minority with one seat in parliament, but bars them from the presidency, the judiciary, and senior security posts.
Today	Jewish schools must generally have Muslim principals, and some have been required to stay open on Saturdays. Jews often face extra clearance to travel abroad, and whole families may not be allowed to travel at once.
2004 to 2005	Iran equalizes 'blood money' compensation for Muslim and non Muslim men; before that, Jews received less.

The impact

Accusations of spying for Israel, such as the arrest of thirteen Jews in Shiraz in 1999, have repeatedly endangered the community.

Explore further

Key dates in the history of the Jews of Iran, at a glance.

The story of the Jews of Iran, from ancient times to today.

Watch Iranian Jews tell their own stories.

Histories, memoirs, novels, and children's books in JIMENA's library.

For the classroom

Choose one of these laws. How would it have changed daily life for a Jewish family: their work, their schooling, their home, or their freedom to travel?