News / Reports

Afghan Refugees in Iran

Saturday, 18 April 2015 12:58 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 18 April 2015 12:59 PM ]

Yusef Jalali
Press TV, Tehran

These young Afghan immigrants in Iran are trying to introduce a previously unseen face of their heritage. To do so, they have organized the Roses-Festival; an event that draws hundreds of Afghan refugees from around Iran. Nearly 3 million Afghans are currently living in Iran. Most of them have failed to study in their homeland, and usually resort to construction work in Iran. But the new generation has found it an opportunity to study in a safe atmosphere and to build a bright future for themselves.

When I asked him whether he likes to go back to homeland, he hesitated but then chose his answer. The festival showcases a wide range of Afghan traditions and arts. Amazing art works by a 24-year-old Afghan girl were the first to catch our eyes.

Arezou immigrated to Iran with her family when she was 9. And what she depicts on the canvas is not her imaginations but reflections of what she remembers from her childhood in Afghanistan.
In the closing ceremony of the festival, Afghan singers perform local music. The audience sings along and cheers. But this cannot stop them from thinking about the sad news coming from home.

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