Description: 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.
Review Quotes: "Sanasarian provides a clear and unadulterated picture of the intimidation, discrimination, and persecution of Armenians, Assyrians, Baha'is, Chaldeans, Iranian Christian converts, Jews, and Zoroastrians under the rule of the Ayatollahs. This very valuable addition to the contemporary history of Iran thoroughly explores the political and ideological relationships between non-Muslim religious minorities and the state, a subject seldom covered by other scholars." Choice