Introduction
Migration, as one of the most complex social phenomena, goes beyond mere physical displacement; it involves profound transformations in lifestyle, identity, and cultural taste. Afghan migrants in Iran, as one of the largest migrant groups in the region and globally, have experienced unique socio-cultural changes over the past decades. Fleeing war, insecurity, and poverty, these migrants have encountered both challenges and opportunities in Iranian society that have significantly influenced their way of life. On one hand, life in Iran has provided Afghan migrants with better access to economic resources, education, and healthcare, substantially improving their quality of life. On the other hand, migration has placed them at the crossroads of fear and hope - fearing instability, discrimination, loss of cultural identity, and social exclusion, while hoping for integration, improved living conditions, and access to new opportunities. This study aims to investigate the socio-cultural and economic transformations among Afghan migrants in Iran, particularly within the intersection of difficult socioeconomic conditions. It seeks to answer: What changes have occurred in the lifestyles of Afghan migrants in Iran, and how have these changes affected their interactions with the host community? Afghan migrants constantly navigate between preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to Iranian norms. This duality creates a polarized environment where the desire to maintain traditions collides with the necessity to conform to new societal expectations. Such tensions are especially visible in areas like language, customs, family values, and gender roles. Discrimination and social exclusion further complicate this process, making integration into Iranian society challenging and reinforcing feelings of alienation and identity loss. These dynamics not only influence intra-family relationships but also shape the ways Afghan migrants interact with the host society. By analyzing ethnographic data and fieldwork conducted in Shahrak-e Qaem in Qom - a settlement with a high concentration of Afghan migrants- this study categorizes key lifestyle transformations under themes such as residential patterns, gender roles, marriage practices, education, and health behaviors.Understanding these experiences can inform more inclusive policies aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting social cohesion. Moreover, this research contributes to the limited academic literature on Afghan migrants in Iran and lays a foundation for future studies on migration, cultural adaptation, and identity negotiation in the broader Middle Eastern context.


Materials & metods
The data for this research were collected through an ethnographic approach, involving participant observation and in-depth interviews with eight Afghan migrant families in the research field, namely Shahrak-e Qaem in Qom. The author has regularly visited this field since 2004 (1383 SH) and has built a research framework around the study of the lifestyle of Afghan migrants in this area. The findings presented in this article were specifically gathered during the year 2024 (1403 SH). Qaim Town is located in the southeasternmost part of the city of Qom. It has hosted Afghan migrants for many years, to the extent that approximately half of the town’s population consists of Afghan migrants, while the other half comprises Iranian migrants from other cities across Iran.

Discussion & result
The article "At the Crossroads of Fear and Hope: Transformation of the Lifestyle of Afghan Migrants in Iran" explores the deep and multidimensional changes in the lives of Afghan migrants residing in Iran, compared to their compatriots living in Afghanistan. These transformations — observable across various domains such as family power structures, women’s roles, marriage patterns, children's status, and access to education and health services — reflect the influence of the social, cultural, and economic environment of the host society on the lives of migrants. In Iran, Afghan migrants generally experience relatively better living conditions due to improved access to educational and employment opportunities. This is especially evident among female and child migrants who benefit from higher-quality education, a safer environment, and increased social opportunities. However, these changes are accompanied by several challenges, including tensions between tradition and modernity, intergenerational conflicts, discrimination, and social marginalization. These issues indicate that although life in Iran has created new opportunities for improving the living conditions of migrants, structural and cultural barriers still exist, requiring attention and targeted interventions. Furthermore, comparing the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran with that of residents in Afghanistan reveals that insecurity, poverty, and sociopolitical restrictions continue to deeply affect the lives of many Afghans. While migrants in Iran have gained certain relative advantages, many of their compatriots in Afghanistan face severe deprivation in areas such as education, healthcare, and security. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the lives of Afghan migrants in Iran lie at the crossroads of fear and hope . On one hand, they have experienced positive lifestyle changes that contribute to their empowerment and improved living standards. On the other hand, the challenges they face demonstrate the need for more comprehensive policymaking and greater support from the host society and international institutions in order to achieve a sustainable and equitable life. This article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of migrants and striving to reduce inequalities and discrimination, so that migrants may not only gain access to better opportunities but also preserve their identity and dignity.