Tehrangeles facts for kids
Tehrangeles (Persian: تهرانجلس), also called Little Persia, is a special name that combines Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and Los Angeles. This name describes an area in Los Angeles where many people from Iran live.
A large Iranian community grew in Westwood, Los Angeles after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This event caused many Iranians to move to the United States. Tehrangeles is now a popular place for shopping, eating, and meeting up. It is home to a big group of Iranian-Americans and their families. This community is one of the largest Iranian populations outside of Iran. The City of Los Angeles officially named the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Avenue as Persian Square.
How Tehrangeles Started
The first Iranian community in Los Angeles began in the Westwood area during the 1960s. More and more Iranians moved to this area after the 1979 Revolution in Iran. This made the community much larger.
Westwood Boulevard became famous for its many Iranian shops and restaurants. It was also a common meeting spot for people in tea houses. Iranians living outside their home country created many magazines, newspapers, radio shows, and TV channels in Los Angeles. They helped shape modern Iranian culture around the world.
Where Iranian-Americans Live in Los Angeles
As the Iranian population grew, families settled in many parts of Los Angeles. These areas include Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Encino, and Beverly Hills.
They also moved to cities like Irvine and Huntington Beach in Orange County. Some families also made their homes in San Diego and the Palm Springs area.
Tehrangeles Economy
The economy in Tehrangeles shows how ethnic communities can create jobs. It offers more work opportunities than the general market because of its unique Iranian culture. This helps Iranian immigrants find jobs and become part of the economy.
Many Iranian immigrants in Tehrangeles own their own businesses. Store signs often use the Persian language, which is also spoken inside the shops. Iranian-owned businesses are especially common on Westwood Boulevard. You can find them between Wilshire Boulevard and Pico Boulevard.
