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Unveiling the Tapestry of Iranian Hospitality and Afghan Marginality

Rob Foster

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Published in Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality: Spaces Of Refuge And Belonging In The City Of Shiraz (Crossing Borders In A Global World: Applying Anthropology To Migration Displacement And Social Change)

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In the heart of the Middle East, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern challenges, lies a complex and often overlooked narrative of hospitality and marginality. Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality, a groundbreaking book by Dr. Ladan Affi, delves into this intricate tapestry, shedding light on the multifaceted relationship between Iranians and Afghans and its profound implications for both communities.

Iranian And Afghan People Sharing Food Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality: Spaces Of Refuge And Belonging In The City Of Shiraz (Crossing BFree Downloads In A Global World: Applying Anthropology To Migration Displacement And Social Change)

A History of Interdependence and Tensions

The relationship between Iran and Afghanistan is deeply rooted in history, geography, and shared cultural traditions. For centuries, the two countries have been linked by trade, pilgrimage, and intermarriage. However, this history has also been punctuated by periods of conflict and tension, including the recent influx of Afghan refugees into Iran.

Iranian Hospitality, Afghan Marginality: Spaces of Refuge and Belonging in the City of Shiraz (Crossing Borders in a Global World: Applying Anthropology to Migration, Displacement, and Social Change)

by Lorelei Brogan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	688 KB
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Print length	:	309 pages

Dr. Affi's book traces the evolution of this relationship, examining how it has shaped the social, economic, and political landscape of both countries. She argues that Iranian hospitality towards Afghans, while often genuine and rooted in religious and cultural values, has also been influenced by political calculations and economic interests.

The Afghan Refugee Experience in Iran

Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Iran has hosted millions of Afghan refugees. These refugees have faced a range of challenges, including discrimination, exploitation, and limited access to education and employment.

Dr. Affi's research provides a nuanced understanding of the Afghan refugee experience in Iran. She explores the complex interplay between Iranian hospitality and Afghan marginality, highlighting both the acts of kindness and the structural barriers that Afghan refugees encounter.

Afghan Refugee Family In Iran Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality: Spaces Of Refuge And Belonging In The City Of Shiraz (Crossing BFree Downloads In A Global World: Applying Anthropology To Migration Displacement And Social Change)

The Role of Islam and Hospitality

Islam plays a significant role in shaping Iranian hospitality towards Afghans. The Quran emphasizes the importance of welcoming and caring for guests, and Iranian society has been influenced by these teachings for centuries.

Dr. Affi examines how Iranian Muslims have interpreted and applied these principles in their interactions with Afghan refugees. She argues that while hospitality is often seen as a defining characteristic of Iranian culture, it is also a complex and contested concept that can be used to justify both inclusion and exclusion.

Implications for the Future

Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality has important implications for the future of the Iranian-Afghan relationship and for refugee policies in the region. Dr. Affi's research suggests that while Iranian hospitality towards Afghans has been a source of support and solidarity, it has also inadvertently contributed to the marginalization of Afghan refugees.

The book calls for a more nuanced and equitable approach to refugee management, one that recognizes the complexities of hospitality and the need to balance compassion with structural reforms that address the underlying causes of refugee displacement.

Iranian Hospitality Afghan Marginality is a timely and essential contribution to the study of hospitality, migration, and the Middle East. Dr. Affi's groundbreaking research provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Iranians and Afghans, and its profound implications for both communities.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Iranian-Afghan relationship, hospitality studies, or the Middle East. It is a work that challenges simplistic narratives and offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Iranian Hospitality, Afghan Marginality: Spaces of Refuge and Belonging in the City of Shiraz (Crossing Borders in a Global World: Applying Anthropology to Migration, Displacement, and Social Change)

by Lorelei Brogan

4.4 out of 5