The Myths of Haji Firuz

Every year, around the arrival of Spring equinox, Iranians in Iran and diaspora will recognize a minstrel named Haji Firuz with his Nowruz jingle. The inclusion during festivities has been questioned challenged for decades; where some point out connections to anti-Blackness, others defend Firuz, arguing that face is only covered soot from fires also associated holiday. This article contextualizes these arguments as part larger discourse denying racism and, more poignantly, erasing Iran’s history slavery altogether. addresses consequences pitfalls defending Firuz’s blackface performance, its implications broader Iranian community.