From Cyrus to Khomeini

Abstract This chapter explores the history and legacy of Jews in the Persianate world, with a focus on their presence in Iran from ancient times to the present day. It provides a historical overview of Jewish communities under the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian Empires, and the Arab-Islamic campaign, which brought about the fall of the Sassanian Empire and gave rise to a new politico-religious entity. The establishment of the Safavid state and the adoption of Twelver Shiʿism as the state religion had a decisive impact on the legal and social status of non-Muslim religious minorities. The chapter also explores the topic of religious conversion among Iranian Jews, including instances of forced and voluntary conversions. Finally, the chapter touches on the contemporary situation of Iran’s small Jewish community. Additionally, it highlights introductory accounts regarding religious conversions, Judeo-Persian language and literature, and this ancient community’s traditions and heritage sites.