Little Tehran in Finchley: Inside London’s Diaspora Hub, Culture, Politics, and Persian Cuisine

The Iranian Diaspora in London

How Iranians Came to the UK

The Iranian community in London has grown through several waves of migration.

1. Migration Before the 1979 Revolution

Before the Iranian Revolution, many Iranians moved to the United Kingdom for education and professional opportunities.

Students attended universities in London and often remained after graduating.

2. After the Fall of the Shah

The overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979 led to a large exodus of Iranians who opposed the new Islamic government.

Many of these migrants were:

• Professionals

• Business owners

• Intellectuals

• Artists

• Political dissidents

London became one of the main destinations for Iranian exiles.

3. Political Refugees and Dissidents

During the 1980s and 1990s, many Iranians sought asylum in the UK due to political repression under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

More recently, political tensions in Iran have pushed additional migrants toward Europe.

March 6, 2026 | 5:36 pm