Iranian Writers in Australia

Abstract

I compare Iranian writers in Australia to the other Iranian diasporic locations discussed previously, mostly the US and France, revealing the similarities and differences in the literary production between the various locations. It will become apparent that Iranian writers in Australia – perhaps because of, rather than despite, the short history of migration – have adapted to their Australian readers quickly by using English and modes of writing preferred by Australian readers. I first sketch the history of Iranian migration to Australia, describing its demographics and the characteristics of the Australian diaspora, also focusing on the cultural connections to Iran and to the other diasporic literary communities maintained by Iranian writers in Australia. I then focus on literary production and reception, with texts written in Persian and in English. Finally, I examine the literary institutions that facilitate this production.