### Abstract

This chapter examines Iran’s significant role as a sanctuary for refugees throughout history, with particular focus on the World War II period. While the Polish exodus represents the largest single group of wartime refugees, this study places their experience within Iran’s broader historical tradition of providing haven to displaced peoples. Through analysis of diplomatic records, personal accounts, and Iranian government documents spanning multiple historical periods, this research provides a comprehensive examination of Iran’s role as a refuge for diverse populations. Special attention is given to the administrative systems, cultural exchanges, and long-term impacts of these migrations on both Iranian society and the displaced communities.

### Introduction

Iran’s role as a refuge for displaced peoples represents a continuous thread throughout Persian history, from the Achaemenid Empire to the modern era. The World War II refugee crisis, while unprecedented in scale, built upon established Persian traditions of providing sanctuary and support to displaced populations. This chapter examines both the historical precedent and the complex network of refugee camps, administrative systems, and international cooperation that facilitated mass movements of people during World War II.

### Historical Context: Persia as a Traditional Haven

#### Ancient and Medieval Periods

Persia’s role as a refuge for displaced peoples dates back to ancient times. The Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE) established precedents for accepting and integrating refugee populations:

“The tablets of Persepolis record the settlement of displaced peoples from Babylon, Egypt, and the Greek cities, with provisions made for their religious practices and cultural traditions.” (Briant, “From Cyrus to Alexander,” 2002)

The Sassanid period (224-651 CE) saw significant refugee movements:

– Jewish scholars fleeing Roman persecution

– Christian communities from Byzantine territories

– Buddhist monks from Central Asia

– Nestorian Christians establishing communities

Medieval Persian records document formal systems for refugee integration:

“The Diwan of Refuge established by the Buyid dynasty provided land grants and protection to displaced scholars, artisans, and merchants.” (Pourshariati, “Decline and Fall of the Sassanian Empire,” 2008)

#### Early Modern Period

The Safavid Empire (1501-1736) continued this tradition:

– Armenian communities relocated to Isfahan

– Georgian nobles fleeing Ottoman expansion

– Jewish communities from Ottoman territories

– Indian merchants and scholars

The establishment of New Julfa in Isfahan represents perhaps the most successful example of refugee resettlement during this period. Shah Abbas I’s relocation of Armenian merchants and craftsmen created a thriving commercial and cultural center that contributed significantly to Safavid prosperity.

#### 19th Century Precedents

The Qajar period saw new refugee populations:

– Russian Muslims fleeing the Caucasian War

– Central Asian merchants displaced by Russian expansion

– Ottoman subjects seeking political asylum

– Afghan elites during periods of internal conflict

### Origins of the World War II Refugee Crisis

#### Soviet Deportations (1939-1941)

Following the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in September 1939, the NKVD conducted mass deportations of Polish citizens to various regions of the Soviet Union. Dr. Katherine Jolluck’s research indicates four main waves of deportations:

1. February 1940: Primarily military settlers and forestry workers

2. April 1940: Primarily families of arrested persons, civil servants, and military personnel

3. June-July 1940: Refugees from German-occupied Poland

4. June 1941: Primarily residents of western Belarus and Ukraine

Soviet archival records, released in the 1990s, document approximately 1.5 million Polish citizens deported, though Polish estimates suggest higher numbers.

### The Sikorski-Mayski Agreement and Evacuation

The German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 dramatically altered the situation. The Sikorski-Mayski Agreement of July 30, 1941, provided for:

– “Amnesty” for all Polish citizens in the USSR

– Formation of a Polish army on Soviet territory

– Permission for Polish civilians to leave the USSR

### The Persian Corridor and Refugee Reception

#### Iranian Response and Preparation

Iranian governmental records from the period show extensive preparation for refugee arrival:

“The Ministry of Interior has designated specific areas in Isfahan, Tehran, and Mashhad for the establishment of refugee facilities, with particular attention to medical care and housing for children.” (Iranian National Archives, Ministry of Interior Directive, March 1942)

#### Refugee Routes and Reception

Major entry points included:

– Bandar Anzali (Pahlavi) on the Caspian Sea

– Mashhad via land routes from Turkmenistan

– Bandar Shah on the Caspian coast

### Diverse Refugee Populations

#### Polish Refugees

Total Numbers (1942-1945):

– Polish civilians: approximately 116,000

– Polish military personnel: 37,000

– Other nationalities: 22,000

Age Distribution (Polish civilians):

– Children under 14: 18,000

– Adolescents (14-17): 12,000

– Adults (18-60): 73,000

– Elderly (over 60): 13,000

#### Soviet Citizens

Records from Iranian border authorities document:

– Approximately 8,000 Russian civilians

– 2,500 Ukrainian families

– 1,200 Belarusian civilians

– Various ethnic minorities from Soviet territories

The Soviet refugee experience differed significantly from Polish refugees:

“Soviet civilian refugees faced complex political situations, often caught between Soviet repatriation demands and their desire to seek asylum elsewhere.” (Iranian Border Police Reports, 1943)

#### Jewish Refugees

The “Tehran Children” represent a distinct group within the refugee population:

– Approximately 1,000 Jewish orphans

– Traveled through Central Asia

– Eventually reached Palestine

Jewish Agency records indicate:

– Transit arrangements for European Jews

– Cooperation with Iranian authorities

– Support networks through local Jewish communities

#### Central Asian Refugees

Archives document several distinct groups:

– Bukharan merchants and their families

– Kazakhs fleeing collectivization

– Uzbek and Turkmen political refugees

#### Greek and Yugoslav Evacuees

British military records note:

– 4,000 Greek civilians evacuated via Iran

– 2,300 Yugoslav resistance members and families

– Temporary camps established specifically for Greek populations

#### Armenian Communities

The existing Armenian community in Iran facilitated:

– Reception of Armenian refugees from Soviet territories

– Integration support and cultural preservation

– Educational facilities shared with other refugee groups

### Camp Systems and Administration

#### International Cooperation

Multiple agencies coordinated efforts:

– United States Commercial Company

– British Ministry of War Transport

– Soviet State Defense Committee

– Iranian Red Lion and Sun Society

– International Red Cross

#### Major Camp Locations

1. Tehran Camps:

   – Dulab Camp: Primary transit facility

   – Yousefabad Camp: Long-term residence

   – Tehran Colony: Self-contained Polish community

2. Isfahan:

   – “Isfahan City of Polish Children”

   – Multiple smaller camps housing approximately 2,600 children

3. Mashhad:

   – Transit camps

   – Medical facilities

#### Camp Organization by Ethnicity

Iranian government records show specialized facilities:

– Separate Greek Orthodox religious services

– Jewish religious and cultural facilities

– Muslim refugee prayer spaces

– Language-specific educational programs

### Daily Life in the Camps

#### Education and Culture

Polish school records from Tehran camps show:

– 18 primary schools established

– 3 high schools

– 1 technical school

– Cultural centers and libraries

Records from other ethnic groups indicate:

– Greek language schools

– Jewish religious education

– Russian cultural programs

– Multi-lingual vocational training

#### Health and Welfare

Medical records indicate:

– Initial mortality rate: 3% (primarily from diseases contracted during Soviet internment)

– Reduced to 0.5% by 1943 through improved medical care

– Establishment of specialized hospitals and clinics

– Vaccination programs

– Nutritional supplementation

### Cultural Exchange and Integration

#### Economic Impact

Ministry of Commerce records indicate refugee contributions:

– Establishment of new businesses

– Transfer of technical skills

– Agricultural innovations

– Craft traditions

#### Educational Influence

The Iranian Ministry of Education documented:

– Exchange of teaching methods

– Introduction of new technical training

– Cultural programs and exhibitions

– Language exchange initiatives

#### Social Integration

Contemporary accounts describe:

– Intermarriage between refugees and locals

– Cultural festivals and celebrations

– Sports competitions

– Joint religious observances

### Post-War Dispersal

#### Repatriation Statistics (1945-1947)

Records from the International Refugee Organization show:

– Return to Poland: approximately 37%

– Settlement in British territories: 34%

– Migration to North America: 12%

– Settlement in Australia/New Zealand: 8%

– Other destinations: 9%

#### Long-term Settlement Patterns

Analysis of post-war migration records reveals significant communities established in:

– United Kingdom

– Canada

– Australia

– United States

– Argentina

### Legacy and Memory

#### In Iran

Contemporary Iranian sources emphasize the lasting impact:

– Establishment of multinational cemeteries

– Cultural exchange programs

– Architectural influences

– Lasting international friendships

#### Among Diaspora Communities

Various émigré publications and memoirs consistently reference Iran as:

– Place of salvation

– Cultural rebirth

– Beginning of new life

– Symbol of Persian hospitality

### Long-term Impact on Iranian Society

#### Demographic Changes

Census data reveals:

– Permanent settlement patterns

– Intermarriage rates

– Professional integration

– Cultural assimilation rates

#### Cultural Legacy

Modern Iranian studies identify lasting influences:

– Architectural styles

– Culinary traditions

– Educational methods

– Musical influences

### Post-War Developments

#### Refugee Policy Evolution

The experience influenced Iran’s approach to later refugee crises:

– Afghan refugees (1980s-present)

– Iraqi refugees (1980s-1990s)

– Development of formal asylum procedures

– International cooperation frameworks

### Analysis of Sources

#### Primary Sources

1. Administrative Records:

   – Iranian government documents

   – Polish government-in-exile records

   – Allied military administration files

   – Camp registration books

   – Medical records

2. Personal Accounts:

   – Diaries

   – Letters

   – Memoirs

   – Oral histories

3. Photographic Evidence:

   – Camp photographs

   – Personal collections

   – Official documentation

#### Secondary Sources

1. Academic Studies

2. Historical Analyses

3. Demographic Research

4. Cultural Impact Studies

### Conclusion

Iran’s role in providing refuge during World War II represents both a continuation of historical Persian traditions of sanctuary and an unprecedented humanitarian achievement under extremely difficult circumstances. The successful integration and care of over 150,000 refugees of various nationalities, despite Iran’s own wartime hardships, demonstrates both the capacity for international cooperation and the importance of humanitarian principles in times of crisis. The legacy of this period continues to influence Iran’s approach to refugee issues and represents a significant chapter in the history of international humanitarian efforts.