Unveiling The Hidden World Of Prostitution In Iran

Prof. Waino Jacobi PhD 20 Jun 2025

**In the intricate tapestry of Iranian society, where tradition and modernity often clash, there exists a deeply sensitive and widely unacknowledged reality: the presence of "hookers in Iran." Despite the country's strict Islamic laws and conservative religious establishment, which has officially long denied the existence of sex workers, this phenomenon persists, operating largely in the shadows. This article delves into the complex, often perilous, world of sex work within the Islamic Republic, exploring its historical roots, societal implications, and the challenges faced by those involved.** **The topic of prostitution is strictly taboo in Iran, rarely discussed openly due to its classification as illegal and immoral within the conservative Islamic society. However, beneath the veneer of official denial, an expansive underground industry thrives, revealing a stark contrast between state rhetoric and lived realities. Understanding this hidden dimension requires navigating a landscape of social stigma, economic desperation, and the ever-present threat of legal repercussions.** **Table of Contents** 1. [The Unacknowledged Reality: Official Denial vs. Lived Experience](#the-unacknowledged-reality-official-denial-vs-lived-experience) 2. [A Peculiar History: Prostitution in Iran Through the Ages](#a-peculiar-history-prostitution-in-iran-through-the-ages) * [Pre-Revolutionary Context](#pre-revolutionary-context) * [Post-Revolutionary Shift and Denial](#post-revolutionary-shift-and-denial) 3. [The Invisible Epidemic: Statistics and Visibility](#the-invisible-epidemic-statistics-and-visibility) * [Estimating the Numbers](#estimating-the-numbers) * [Increased Visibility on Iranian Streets](#increased-visibility-on-iranian-streets) 4. [Underground Operations: Massage Parlors and Hidden Networks](#underground-operations-massage-parlors-and-hidden-networks) 5. [Beyond Borders: Iran as a Hub for Sex Trafficking](#beyond-borders-iran-as-a-hub-for-sex-trafficking) 6. [The Plight of Sex Workers: Stigma, Abuse, and Health Risks](#the-plight-of-sex-workers-stigma-abuse-and-health-risks) 7. [The Demand Side: Understanding the Clientele](#the-demand-side-understanding-the-clientele) 8. [Societal Neglect and the Path Forward](#societal-neglect-and-the-path-forward) --- ### The Unacknowledged Reality: Official Denial vs. Lived Experience For decades, Iran's conservative religious establishment has officially long denied the existence of sex workers in the country. This denial is not merely a statement but a fundamental aspect of the state's narrative, which instead alludes to prostitution there as a "Western plot" designed to corrupt Islamic values and society. This official stance creates a profound disconnect with the reality on the ground, where countless individuals are involved in sex work, often driven by dire economic circumstances or coercion. Despite Iran's strict Islamic laws governing sexual behavior, which can lead to severe penalties for illicit relations, the underground industry of sex work persists. The government's refusal to acknowledge the issue means there are no formal support systems, health initiatives, or regulatory frameworks. Instead, those involved are pushed further into the shadows, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The stark contrast between the official narrative and the lived experiences of these individuals highlights a deep-seated societal challenge that the authorities are reluctant to confront directly. ### A Peculiar History: Prostitution in Iran Through the Ages The phenomenon of prostitution isn’t a new phenomenon in Iran. Its presence can be traced back through various historical periods, adapting and evolving with the changing social and political landscapes of the nation. Understanding this historical context is crucial to grasping the current complexities surrounding "hookers in Iran." #### Pre-Revolutionary Context Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, while still a sensitive topic, sex work was present and, to some extent, even regulated. During the Pahlavi era, for instance, efforts were made to manage and control the sex trade. Special rules were passed to regulate the behavior of prostitutes and their clients, and it's reported that more than a thousand prostitutes worked in designated areas. This period saw a more visible, albeit still marginalized, presence of sex workers, with some form of state oversight, however minimal. Evidence of prostitutes’ daily life could be recognized among discarded materials, hinting at a more integrated, albeit stigmatized, existence within society. #### Post-Revolutionary Shift and Denial The Islamic Revolution brought about a radical transformation in Iran's social and legal landscape. With the establishment of the Islamic Republic, strict Sharia laws were implemented, rendering prostitution illegal, immoral, and a punishable crime. This shift led to the official denial of sex work's existence, pushing it deep underground. The state's narrative painted it as an un-Islamic practice, an import from the West, thereby absolving internal societal issues as root causes. This denial, however, did not eradicate the practice; it merely obscured it, making it more dangerous and less visible, yet no less real. ### The Invisible Epidemic: Statistics and Visibility Given the highly illicit and taboo nature of sex work in Iran, obtaining accurate statistics on the number of "hookers in Iran" is exceedingly difficult. The lack of official recognition means there are no government-collected data, making independent research challenging and often reliant on estimations and qualitative studies. #### Estimating the Numbers Despite the absence of precise figures, new research indicates that prostitution has increased again in recent years. While these figures are estimates, they paint a concerning picture. For instance, it is estimated that there are about 228,700 prostitutes in Iran [24]. This number, if accurate, represents a significant hidden population. Earlier, in 2002, the Iranian newspaper *Entekhab* estimated that there were nearly 85,000 prostitutes in Tehran alone, highlighting the concentration of sex work in urban centers. These figures, though varying and often speculative, underscore the pervasive nature of the phenomenon across the country, from bustling metropolises to even Iran's holy cities. Prostitution isn’t a new phenomenon in Iran’s holy cities, such as Mashhad and Qom, where thousands of Shi'ite Muslim students from around Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, India, and elsewhere attend religious educational institutions. Of course, Qom isn’t the only place in Iran where prostitutes walk the streets, demonstrating its widespread presence. #### Increased Visibility on Iranian Streets Despite the strict Islamic dress code and the inherent risks, reports suggest that "hookers in Iran" are becoming more visible on Iranian streets. In the aftermath of a scandal, major international news outlets like *The Times*, *The Associated Press*, and *The BBC* all reported on this growing visibility. This raises the intriguing question: given the Islamic dress code, how do they operate and become noticeable? This often involves subtle cues, specific locations, and word-of-mouth networks. As one sex worker, Mona, told Rudaw, "Prostitutes are part of the landscape, blending in with everything else." This increasing visibility, even if subtle, indicates a societal shift and perhaps a growing desperation that pushes individuals to take greater risks. ### Underground Operations: Massage Parlors and Hidden Networks The clandestine nature of sex work in Iran necessitates the use of discreet fronts and hidden networks. One increasingly prevalent method is the use of massage services. Despite Iran's strict Islamic laws governing sexual behavior, an expansive underground industry of massage services is seemingly becoming a front for prostitution. These establishments operate under the guise of legitimate wellness centers, but for those in the know, they serve as a discreet meeting point for clients and sex workers. This modus operandi allows sex workers to operate with a degree of plausible deniability, though the risk of exposure remains high. A simple hijab violation can lead to violent arrest, let alone engaging in illegal sexual acts. The internet and mobile technology also play a significant role in facilitating these transactions, with services advertised through encrypted messaging apps or private social media groups. "Pornographic photos are bluetoothed across the city," indicating the pervasive nature of digital communication in this underground economy. The Iranian regime tries to fight it all, with little success, as the networks are fluid and adaptable. ### Beyond Borders: Iran as a Hub for Sex Trafficking The issue of sex work in Iran is further complicated by its role in international human trafficking. Iran is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking. This means that not only are Iranian citizens trafficked within and out of the country, but individuals from other nations are also trafficked into Iran for exploitation. Organized groups reportedly subject Iranian women, boys, and girls to sex trafficking in Iran itself, as well as in neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the Iraq Kurdistan Region (IKR), Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and even further afield in Europe. This grim reality underscores the severe vulnerabilities faced by many, particularly those seeking employment or fleeing desperate circumstances. Some Iranian women, who seek employment to support themselves or their families, fall prey to these trafficking networks, highlighting the intersection of economic hardship and exploitation. The lack of legal recognition for sex workers also means they have no recourse or protection against such abuses, making them easy targets for traffickers. ### The Plight of Sex Workers: Stigma, Abuse, and Health Risks For "hookers in Iran," life is fraught with immense challenges and problems that pose significant risks to their health and safety. Talking about prostitution is strictly taboo in Iran, and a heavy burden of stigma comes with being a sex worker. This social labeling ensures that prostituted women in Iran are ostracized, and the country's social and cultural context exposes their lives to abuse and violence. The risks extend beyond social ostracization to include physical violence, exploitation by pimps, and the constant threat of arrest and severe legal punishment. Health risks are also paramount. As Mona, a sex worker, starkly put it to Rudaw, "For a hooker, corona is no more dangerous than AIDS," underscoring the constant threat of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health issues in an environment where access to healthcare and safe practices is severely limited due to the illegal and stigmatized nature of their work. Studies on the perception and definition of prostitution by sex workers in Iran are scarce, and there is limited research on the attitude and judgment of Iranian sex workers toward their behavior. This research gap is mainly due to the traditional and religious structure of Iran's society, as well as its cultural, social, and moral considerations and limitations, further marginalizing this vulnerable population. ### The Demand Side: Understanding the Clientele While much of the discussion revolves around sex workers themselves, there is little information about their clients in Iran. This information gap is significant, as understanding the demand side is crucial for a comprehensive view of the phenomenon. However, a new survey conducted by Iran Open Data sheds some light on this, revealing that more than 40% of participants stated that they have used such services. This statistic, while from a survey and not a census, indicates a substantial client base, challenging the notion that sex work is a marginal activity. The clientele likely comes from diverse backgrounds, reflecting various societal pressures and needs. In holy cities like Qom and Mashhad, the presence of thousands of Shi'ite Muslim students from across the region and beyond may contribute to a particular demographic of clients. Economic factors, social restrictions on premarital relationships, and the pervasive nature of an underground economy all contribute to the demand for sex work. The discretion required by both parties further emphasizes the hidden nature of these transactions, yet the sheer numbers suggest a widespread, albeit unacknowledged, aspect of Iranian social life. ### Societal Neglect and the Path Forward The persistence and growth of "hookers in Iran" point to deeper societal issues that remain unaddressed. Iran's elite politicians often ignore these burning social issues. Despite promises to the contrary, the social and economic situation in Iran deteriorated under President Rouhani, prompting two nationwide revolts in recent years. Yet, the social question continues to be neglected by all factions of the elite, even as the country urgently needs social solutions. The authorities in Iran have announced plans to tackle prostitution, shining a light on a taboo subject and a profession treated as a crime in the religiously conservative country. However, without addressing the root causes – economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and systemic social issues – any crackdown is likely to be ineffective, merely pushing the problem further underground and exacerbating the vulnerabilities of those involved. A comprehensive approach would require acknowledging the existence of sex work, understanding its drivers, and implementing social support programs, health initiatives, and economic reforms that provide viable alternatives for those forced into such a perilous profession. --- The reality of "hookers in Iran" is a complex and deeply entrenched issue, far removed from the official narrative of denial. It is a testament to the profound impact of economic hardship, social restrictions, and systemic neglect. While the exact figures remain elusive due to its illegal and taboo nature, evidence points to a growing presence and an extensive underground network. The lives of sex workers in Iran are marked by immense stigma, violence, and health risks, further compounded by their vulnerability to human trafficking. For any meaningful change to occur, there must be a fundamental shift in how this issue is perceived and addressed. Instead of denial and criminalization, a more humane and evidence-based approach is desperately needed. This would involve acknowledging the social and economic factors that drive individuals into sex work, providing support and alternatives, and addressing the broader societal issues that perpetuate this hidden reality. What are your thoughts on the challenges faced by individuals involved in sex work in highly conservative societies? Share your perspectives in the comments below. If you found this article insightful, consider sharing it to foster a broader understanding of this critical social issue.