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The Yarsanis (Yarsan Faith) are followers of one of Iran’s ancient religions, with roots in the Zagros cultural region. Their faith emphasizes values such as truthfulness, purity, humility, and generosity. Yarsanis follow the spiritual guidance of the “Pir” (spiritual guide) and practice their religion within family lineages. Their sacred texts are compiled in a collection known as the “Divane Gooreh”. The Yarsani population is estimated to be between 2 and 3 million. However, due to the principle of religious discretion (Untold Secret) and ongoing discrimination and pressure, many Yarsanis do not publicly disclose their religious identity and are often officially recorded as Muslims.<\/p>\n
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The Yarsan Democratic Organization has expressed concern over the severe security pressures imposed on followers of the Yarsan faith, describing the arrests, killings, and restrictions against this community as part of a pattern of systematic discrimination and repression.<\/p>\n
In recent months, several Yarsani citizens\u2014including Arman Azizi, Shahnam Taherzadeh, and Ghahreman Veisi\u2014have reportedly been arrested and subjected to violence. Mojtaba Veisi, a Yarsani cultural and social activist, was reportedly killed after years of arrests, summonses, and threats. He had been detained in March 2025 for participating in the Nowruz celebrations.<\/p>\n
Human rights activists have described these actions as violations of the rights to freedom of religion and belief, personal security, and fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
According to human rights reports, the Yarsanis are among the religious communities in Iran that lack official recognition. They face discrimination in access to employment, education, and certain civil rights. As a result, many Yarsanis conceal their religious identity and refrain from openly expressing their beliefs.<\/p>\n
As human rights activists, we express concern over the continuing discrimination and pressure against followers of the Yarsan faith. Restricting freedom of religion and belief, denying recognition, imposing security pressures, and treating Yarsani activists and citizens unfairly are inconsistent with fundamental human rights principles.<\/p>\n
We condemn these practices and call for an end to religious discrimination, the protection of freedom of religion and belief, the guarantee of civil security, and the equal enjoyment of citizenship rights for all followers of the Yarsan faith and other religious minorities in Iran.<\/p>\n
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Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n Defense of the Rights of Followers of Religions Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yarsanis in Iran: Centuries of Living with Rights Violations and Discrimination The Yarsanis (Yarsan Faith) are followers of one of Iran’s ancient religions, with roots in the Zagros cultural region. Their faith emphasizes values such as truthfulness, purity, humility, and generosity. Yarsanis follow the spiritual guidance of the “Pir” (spiritual guide) and practice their religion … <\/p>\n