A Study of Tehran’s Hometown Associations

Hometown associations (HTAs) are grassroots and self-made institutions that formed by rural/town emigrants living in big cities. These associations are attended for the hometown and their current living conditions. Considering that the main part of Tehran's population are emigrants and part of them have hometown association, thus the aim of this study provides a typology of hometown associations in Tehran, as well as review characteristics, functions and mechanisms of internal communications. Research methodology is based on qualitative research method. The qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group and participatory observation techniques. Results show that there are three types of hometown association in Tehran. These types based on the type of attachment, appearance and the context/ base of formation. Special functions of these associations, maintain communications among themselves, maintain their cultural identity among themselves and their children and help fellow citizens in Tehran and in the towns and villages of origin. Internal communications mechanisms of these associations are based on regular and periodic programs and also subject to the ceremonies, rituals and special programs.
Hometown associations (HTAs) are grassroots and self-made institutions that formed by rural/town emigrants living in big cities. These associations are attended for the hometown and their current living conditions. Considering that the main part of Tehran's population are emigrants and part of them have hometown association, thus the aim of this study provides a typology of hometown associations in Tehran, as well as review characteristics, functions and mechanisms of internal communications. Research methodology is based on qualitative research method. The qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group and participatory observation techniques. Results show that there are three types of hometown association in Tehran. These types based on the type of attachment, appearance and the context/ base of formation. Special functions of these associations, maintain communications among themselves, maintain their cultural identity among themselves and their children and help fellow citizens in Tehran and in the towns and villages of origin. Internal communications mechanisms of these associations are based on regular and periodic programs and also subject to the ceremonies, rituals and special programs.