Imam Khomeinei Road, Students In Qom & Tehran: Karnataka Town Alipur's Connection With Iran
With nearly 25,000 residents, this town has about 90 per cent of the population who belong to the Shia Muslim community - which is also the dominant community in Iran.
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, and with several Indian nationals still stranded in Iran, a quaint little town on the outskirts of Bengaluru has found itself in focus. Among the many Indian students currently in Iran are some from Alipur, just 70 km away from Bengaluru in Karnataka's Gauribidanur constituency.
Alipur's links with the Middle East go beyond education and faith. The town has a thriving gems and jewellery business connected to Dubai, Iran, and Thailand.
With nearly 25,000 residents, this town has about 90 per cent of the population who belong to the Shia Muslim community – which is also the dominant community in Iran. 'Most of the people in Alipur deal with precious gems and jewellery. Many have businesses in the Middle East, especially in Iran. So the connection is deep-rooted — economic as well as spiritual. Iran is the place for higher studies when it comes to Islamic studies and theology — not just for Indians, but globally," said Syed Hakim Raza, President of the India‑Iran Chamber of Commerce.
Historically, the town's Shia legacy runs deep. In the 18th century, Alipur was known as Belligunta and was predominantly inhabited by Shia Muslims. It was later renamed Alipur — with 'Ali" referring to Imam Ali and 'pur" meaning 'city". The name, which translates to 'City of Ali," reflects the town's religious and cultural roots within the Shia tradition. The spiritual influence of Iran is also marked on its streets — the main road in Alipur is named Imam Khomeini Road, in memory of the Iranian Supreme Leader's visit to Alipur during his India trip in 1981.
What also sets Alipur apart is its distinctive self-governance. The town does not have a police station within its limits. Instead, a supreme body called Anjuman-e-Jafria resolves issues according to the by-laws founded by the patrons of Alipur in 1930. This 30-member body serves as the highest authority for resolving community issues — from family disputes and marriage problems to financial matters.
'Out of 100, we resolve 99 issues within the Anjuman-e-Jafria itself. Be it a property dispute, marital issue, or any matter that requires guidance and resolution," said Mir Ali Abbas, President of the body, to News18.
The council, elected every two years, includes a president and secretary with members handling different departments in the town.
Its by-laws, written by the late Mir Musthaq Ali — a respected Islamic scholar and poet — are based on both Islamic principles and the Indian Constitution, and continue to guide Alipur's functioning to this day.
'Even if a police complaint is filed in a neighbouring station, the Anjuman-e-Jafria is first asked whether it would like to reconcile the issue," said a senior leader from Alipur.
Along with Shia Muslims, Alipur also has a population of Hindus, Christians, and smaller Muslim sects, all of whom live peacefully and 'are bound by mutual respect for each other's religious beliefs," said a local leader.
Alipur Students In Iran
Many families, scholars, and students from Alipur regularly travel to Iran for Islamic theological studies in cities like Qom and Mashhad, while others enrol in its top-ranked medical universities. Iran's medical colleges — including Shahid Beheshti University, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), and Arak University of Medical Sciences — are among the world's top 400, making them an attractive destination for Indian students seeking affordable education.
'A course in MBBS costs anywhere between $4,000 to $6,000 compared to other countries. If a student scores above 80–90 per cent in their 12th exams, they can get into a top Tehran university at an affordable price. That's why we see a large number of students heading to these universities. It's an economical way for children to pursue the course of their dreams," explained Syed Hakim Raza.
One such student is Syed Mohammed Taqim, the son of a fancy store owner in Alipur. His father, Mir Raza Agha, told News18 that his son, who is studying at the Tehran Institute of Medical Sciences, was among nearly 500 students moved to Qom for safety after shelling began.
'My son wants to become a paediatrician. He will be the first doctor in our family. I run a small fancy store in Alipur and don't have much money. I've somehow managed to send him there to complete his medicine," Agha said, hoping to hear that his son has boarded a flight to return to India.
'When he comes back, we'll take a call if he wants to continue his studies. He had written five exams and had another ten to go before returning to India for holidays in July. My son went there two years ago to pursue his passion for becoming a doctor," he added.
Agha is one of 19 families in Alipur who have children studying medicine in Iranian universities.
Indian authorities, along with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and state officials in Karnataka, are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safe return of students.
BJP MP from Chikkaballapur, K Sudhakar, told News18 that he is in constant touch with the MEA and embassy to ensure the students' safety.
'I will be personally speaking to the students on a phone call once they are available to connect. The network connectivity is very patchy and we are yet to get them to a place where they can be brought back home safely. Our Indian government has been successful in bringing back people from such trying circumstances earlier, and we know it will happen again. Safety is the top priority and the government is doing all that it can to bring back all stranded Indians," he said.
'The Indian Embassy has been in touch and has helped relocate many of them from Tehran to Qom and Mashhad, and will bring them back safely via Turkmenistan or Armenia," added Syed Hakim Raza.
Another parent of a young student who did not wish to be named said their daughter left in 2024 to study dentistry along with 12 others. 'We have been getting regular updates and communication on the safe passage of our child. The Indian embassy has been very helpful and the NRI cell from the Congress government also got in touch with us to help track their movements. We are hopeful they will be back home safely and soon," said the father of the medical student.
Islamic religious studies continue to be a big draw for students from Alipur. Nearly 50 students are pursuing religious education in Qom. Over 30 families from the town are also involved in business activities in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad.
'In India, Islamic studies are basic. Many go to Iran to pursue further learning in Ismaili theology," explained residents of Alipur.
Mannan Raza, a businessman who recently relocated from Tehran to Qom, told News18 that while they plan to stay put, they are helping facilitate the safe transfer of students back to India. 'We are coordinating efforts with embassy officials to move students to safer places. Life is normal in areas like Qom and Mashhad. There is no shelling here," he said.
A young student pursuing MBBS at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Gorgan, Iran, said the tension in the region is pushing them to return home. 'We were to return home in July. Now we are only waiting for Indian authorities to give us directions and take us home," she said, requesting anonymity.
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Now, as students wait to be brought home and families pray for their safe return, this quiet village continues to hold its breath — caught between its historic ties to Iran and the hope for peace and safe passage.
'We all want ceasefire and peace there. We would like to return and complete our education," said a young MBBS student who is among those being shifted to Mashhad and moved towards Armenia to be brought back safely to her family in India.
About the Author
Rohini Swamy
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18's digital platform. She has previously worked with t...Read More
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
iran Israel-Iran tensions karnataka Shia Muslims
Location :
Bengaluru, India, India
First Published:
June 19, 2025, 10:18 IST
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