The Jews of Early Modern and Modern Persia: Exploring Identities Through the Lens of History

This study explores the intersection of historical phenomena and identity formation in Persian Jewry during the Early Modern period and the nineteenth century. It draws attention to the fluidity and intricacies of Jewish identities, asserting that there is not a singular Jewish identity, but rather a multitude of identities shaped by both internal and external factors. Conversion, in particular, is highlighted as a significant factor in shaping these identities. The research mainly draws on secondary analyses of primary sources such as rare Judeo-Persian chronicles like Ketab-e Anusi as well as the oral traditions of Mashhadi Jews, a key case study of the thesis. Delving deeper into this unique case of Persian Jewry, it explores memory transmission and communal bonds as some of the mechanisms the Mashhadis employed to preserve their identities. It aims to reinforce that these mechanisms were made possible by the Jews’ profound communal cohesion, which strengthened in spite and as a result of conversion and religious uniformity, a characteristic of the Safavid and Qajar periods.