Homeland and Hostland Iranian Press in Canada

Abstract

Millions of Iranians left their country after the coming to power of the Islamic Republic in February 1979. Some twenty years later, the urge to leave the country is as strong as it was in the early post-revolutionary years. In a world that is less hospitable to refugees, some Iranians risk their lives in search of a hostland. For many emigrating Iranians, the hostland does not readily turn into a new homeland. In fact, Iran is often present, or rather reproduced, in the memory, language, way of life, and the network of relationships that remain in place despite physical distance.