Once upon a time, in true millennial fashion, Bahar contacted Ahou through Twitter, they got to talking about their hyphenated identities and discussed the lack of space for multi-cultured Iranians to network and share their experiences. A Skype call later, they decided to partner up and created the Doganeh project.

Our Vision

Doganeh is an open and inclusive platform where hyphenated Iranians can share their stories, thoughts, and experiences on growing up outside of Iran. The aim of the project is to provide a safe and inclusive space for dual-identity Iranians to converse on all issues doganeh and to further explore the complexities of our identities as well as the day-to-day circumstances we encounter because of it.

It can sometimes feel that we are caught between the cultures we are a part of and it can be isolating. By creating a platform where we can share the positives and the negatives, Doganeh aims to connect hyphenated Iranians and create a network where we can encourage others to embrace their multiple identities and their heritage by sharing experiences, anecdotes, and even advice.

Our Team

Bahar Karimi, Co-Founder

Bahar is a PhD candidate in Middle East Studies. She grew up in London and is told she speaks Farsi with a British accent. She is a loyal supporter of Chelsea FC and a proud founder of a book club. Bahar’s favourite Iranian dishes are zereshk polo and tahcheen, and to the delight of her friends, she has perfected the art of making tahdig.

Ahou Koutchesfahani, Co-Founder 

Ahou is a PhD candidate in War Studies. Amused by the looks on people’s faces when she says she’s Luxembourgish by birth but Iranian by blood, she is told she speaks both languages “surprisingly well”. Doganeh through and through, her playlists range from Googoosh to SZA. She likes her fesenjoon torsh.

Our Policy

As we aim to open space for dialogue, we encourage everyone who is interested to submit their work. We do not discriminate against age, gender, religion, sexuality, disability, or any other minority.