Polish Women Immigrants in Iran since World War II: Social and Cultural Activities in the Host Land

The migration of Polish women to Iran during World War II represents a significant yet overlooked historical event. This study, through a descriptive and historical-analytical approach, investigates the socio-cultural impact of Polish female refugees between 1942 and 1945 on Iranian society. By engaging in diverse roles – from working in cafés and artistic fields to serving in embassies and the Polish military – Polish women challenged Iran’s deeply rooted gender norms and religious taboos. Their integration into Iranian society, including marriages with Iranian men, played a key role in breaking traditional gender boundaries and fostering greater female participation in public life. The transformative influence of these women persisted even after the war, as around 200 to 300 Polish immigrants who remained in Iran continued their social and cultural contributions.