ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN IRAN
Population March 2026
The Armenian presence in Iran dates back to the sixth century B.C., with significant settlement beginning in the 11th
century A.D. In the early 17th century, an estimated 250,000 Armenians were forcibly relocated to Iran from Artsakh
(Nagorno-Karabakh) and many other parts of Eastern Armenia. Despite their centuries-long presence, Iranian
Armenians have maintained a distinct identity, preserving their Christian faith, language, and cultural traditions.
Armenians currently constitute the country’s largest Christian religious minority. The present-day Armenian population
in the country is approximately 150,000. Although some sources mention figures as high as 500,000, this
discrepancy can be explained by the complexities of Iranian legislation, which makes relinquishing citizenship an
extremely difficult process. An estimated 250,000 Iranian Armenians left the country following the 1979 Islamic
Revolution, and approximately 80,000 resettled in Armenia after the collapse of the USSR.
The Iranian Parliament (Majlis) allocates two seats to Armenian Christians: one representing Armenians in Tehran and
northern Iran, and another representing those in the country’s south. Armenian deputies primarily address local
community concerns and represent the Armenian minority in Iran’s political structure.
The majority of Iranian Armenians – around 80,000 – reside in Tehran and in the surrounding areas. Approximately
31,000 live in Isfahan and the neighboring city of Shahin Shahr, while fewer than 1,000 live in Tabriz. Other cities
with notable dense Armenian communities include Urmia, Arak, Rasht, and Bandar-e Anzali.
Armenian Religious, Cultural and Social Presence in Iran
The Armenian Apostolic Church has three dioceses in Iran: the Atrpatakan Diocese (established in 1247) in northern
Iran, the Isfahan Diocese (established in 1606) in southern Iran, and the Tehran Diocese (currently the largest diocese
in Iran, established as an independent diocese in 1944). Each diocese functions as an independent unit under the
jurisdiction of the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia (Holy See of Cilicia). All three dioceses are
recognized by the Iranian government as the spiritual authorities of the Armenian community of Iran.
There are also several Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches in the country.
The Atrpatakan Diocese includes the following active churches, many dating back to the Middle Ages:
• St. Asdvadzatzin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Tabriz – Berdatagh
• St. Sarkis Church, Tabriz – Lilava neighborhood
• St. Shoghakat Church, Tabriz
• St. Saint Thaddeus Monastery, near Maku, Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province,
• included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List
• St. Saint Stepanos Monastery, near Julfa, Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province,
• included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List
• Chapel of Dzordzor, near Maku, Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province,
• included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List
• St. Stepanos Church, Urmia, Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province
• St. Gevorg Church, Urmia – Gyardabad Armenian village
• St. Asdvadzatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Urmia – Rahva Armenian village
• St. Hripsimeh Church, Mujumbar Armenian village, Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province• St. Hovhannes Church, Maragheh Village, Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province.
The Atrpatakan Diocese also oversees the following educational institutions:
• Sahagian-Tamarian Armenian school, Tabriz
• Dzerouni Kasparian kindergarten, Tabriz
• Masiha Armenian school, Urmia
• Nayiri kindergarten, Urmia.
The Isfahan Diocese includes the following active churches since the 17th century:
• St. Amenaprgitch (All-Savior) Monastery
• St. Kevork Church
• St. Petghehem (Betlehem) Church
• St. Asdvadzatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church
• St. Hagop Church
• St. Grigor Lusavoritch (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) Church
• St. Stepanos Church
• St. Hovhannes Megerditch Church
• St. Nigoghayos Church
• St. Sarkis Church
• St. Nerses Church
• St. Minas Church
• St. Katarinian Monastery
The Tehran Diocese covers provinces Arak, Qazvin, Rasht, Anzali, Mashhad, Gorgan, and Sari. The Diocese includes
the following active churches:
• St. Sarkis Cathedral (located in District 6)
• St. Asdvadzadzin (Holy Mother of God) Church
• St. Thaddeus and Bartholomew Church (District 12)
• St. Kevork Church
• St. Minas Church
• St. Vartan Armenian Church (District 7)
• St. Grigor Lusavoritch (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) Church (District 8)
• St. Targmanchatz Church (District 8)
• St. Hovhannes Chapel
• St. Stepanos Chapel
• St. Sourp Khach (Holy Cross) Chapel
The following Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches are also located in Tehran:
• St. Hovhannes (St. John’s) Central Evangelical Church
• St. Grigor Lusavoritch (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) Armenian Catholic Church
• St. Hokeshuntch Armenian Evangelical Church
• St. Shnorhali Armenian Evangelical Church of the Holy Cross
There are currently 30 functioning Armenian schools across Iran, including primary and secondary institutions – for
boys, for girls, and coeducational.
The Armenian community of Tehran maintains three nursing homes – Sourp Kevork (located in Sourp Kevork Church
area), Sosseh Mayrig and Chiloyan, as well as the Ararat Sport and Culture Complex.
© 2026 Armenian Assembly of America
