Roozbeh Farahanipour

Heritage, courage, and vision from Iran to the world

The Farahanipour family legacy is grounded in a long Persian tradition of wisdom, courage, and service—stretching from ancient cultural foundations to modern reform and civic leadership. Our story begins in Iran, flows through Europe, and continues today in the United States, where each generation has rebuilt, contributed, and honored the values inherited from a rich heritage.

Ancient cultural roots and spiritual heritage

Our roots reach into the heart of Iran’s history. During the Sasanian era, a revival of Iranian identity took shape and Zoroastrianism became central to state life, influencing government, learning, and society. This period helped shape long-lasting ideals of justice, wisdom, and communal responsibility.
As Zoroastrians, we carry forward a spiritual tradition that emphasizes truth, good thought, and moral responsibility—principles that remain vital to who we are today. This ancient foundation creates a bridge to later eras of renewal, reform, and meaningful contribution to society.

Regional heritage and modern reformers who inspire us

The family name traces back to the Persian region of Farahan, known for cultural depth, artistry, civic service, and intellectual achievement. Across centuries, relatives played significant roles in their communities, guided by creativity, moral courage, and deep respect for tradition.

We honor this heritage through connections to some of Iran’s most respected reformers and leaders—modern pillars of integrity and national renewal:

Amir Kabir, Mirza Taghi Khan
A visionary reformer and chief minister in the mid‑19th century, Amir Kabir led broad administrative, cultural, and economic reforms that marked an early wave of modernization in Iran. He served as prime minister from 1848–1851 and initiated reforms that marked the effective beginning of Westernization of the country. His bold leadership, deep integrity, and devotion to public welfare continue to inspire the family’s sense of duty and moral courage.

Dr. Mohammad Mosaddegh
A 20th-century statesman and prime minister, Mosaddegh nationalized Iran’s British oil holdings and stood firmly for national sovereignty, constitutional governance, and democratic principles. His premiership ended in a coup orchestrated by the United States and the United Kingdom, underscoring his personal sacrifice for the country’s independence. His integrity and devotion to public service remain powerful touchstones for our values.

Damavand Farahanipour
Continuing the legacy in our own generation, Damavand is the son and next generation of Roozbeh Farahanipour. Born in Los Angeles, he is a native Angeleno, symbolizing the deep roots the family now has in the United States while honoring the values and traditions passed down from their Persian heritage. His name evokes Iran’s mountainous landscapes, linking the past to the present and future. It signals that the Farahanipour legacy is not only historical but living—carried forward by new generations with pride and purpose.

These figures reflect a tradition of reform, integrity, and principled leadership. They reinforce our family’s dedication to wisdom, perseverance, and the common good.

From Iran to the United States

Guided by this legacy, later generations journeyed across continents. Leaving Iran, they settled in the United States, facing new languages, cultures, and systems. Through hard work, resourcefulness, and deep values, they built homes, livelihoods, and community ties in their adopted country.

The migration was neither simple nor linear. It involved navigating political upheaval, changing regimes, shifting global realities, and everyday challenges—education, work, health, and preserving cultural identity. Each step required planning, emotional strength, and faith in a future that was not yet clear. Yet the same courage that defined earlier generations carried the family forward: acting with integrity, standing for principles, and supporting one another through uncertainty.

In the United States, descendants continued to nurture the arts, education, service, and entrepreneurship—bridging Persian heritage with American opportunity. They brought rich cultural expressions, culinary traditions, and community engagement to their neighborhoods, creating spaces where heritage and innovation flourished together.

Their story is one of continuous renewal: honoring the past while shaping a future of dignity, opportunity, and mutual respect. Heritage is not a relic of history, but a living force—guiding daily actions, inspiring civic engagement, and fostering generosity toward others.

Roozbeh Farahanipour: Upholding the legacy today

As a modern heir to this heritage, Roozbeh Farahanipour has dedicated his life to the same values of courage, justice, and cultural pride exemplified by his forebears. His journey from Iran to the United States mirrors his family’s broader story of struggle, renewal, and contribution.

Early activism in Iran
Born in Tehran in 1971, Roozbeh pursued law and cultural work before becoming a leading voice for democratic reform. He founded a journal devoted to Iranian studies and Zoroastrian philosophy, organized secular opposition movements, and helped establish press freedom initiatives. He endured arrest, solitary confinement, and persecution for his beliefs, refusing to renounce them even under threat—an embodiment of moral courage and commitment to justice.

Exile and continued advocacy
In 2000 he fled Iran and obtained political asylum in the United States. From Los Angeles, he continued advocating for a free, secular, democratic Iran—organizing demonstrations, workshops, and campaigns, and supporting human-rights goals for Iranians both inside and outside the country.

Community leadership in the U.S.
Alongside his political activism, Roozbeh built a successful life in America. In 2009, he became the owner of Westwood’s historic Delphi Greek Restaurant, channeling his entrepreneurial energy into serving the community. Over time he expanded his business ventures, opening additional eateries and supporting local commerce. His reputation as a hardworking businessman grew in tandem with his role as a community leader.

After becoming a U.S. citizen, Roozbeh embraced his role as a patriotic community leader who defends American values. He sees himself as living the American dream—an immigrant who, through determination, service, and respect for freedom, contributes to the broader society that welcomed him.

He became deeply involved in civic affairs, using his voice and experience to bridge the Iranian-American community with broader Los Angeles society. Farahanipour has served in numerous leadership positions, helping to shape and support his local community. Notable roles include:
- President and CEO of the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
- Member of the Westwood Neighborhood Council, elected and re-elected over time.
- Board member of the Westwood Community Council.
- Member of the Westwood Village Rotary Club and supporter of local cultural institutions.
- Board member of the Los Angeles County Business Federation and other civic groups.

In these roles, he worked to promote local commerce, cultural understanding, and public safety, earning recognition for his civic and humanitarian contributions. He has received honors for community service, and his personal story has been preserved in national collections. Today, Roozbeh lives in Los Angeles with his family, continuing to advocate for human rights in Iran while actively engaging in the civic life of his adopted country. Whether rallying for freedom abroad or improving his neighborhood at home, he embodies the Farahanipour spirit of resilience, leadership, and hope for a brighter future.

Our guiding values

Across centuries and borders, the Farahanipour family remains committed to:
- Wisdom and integrity rooted in ancient heritage and modern reform
- Courage and service in the face of challenge and change
- Renewal and hope for future generations, guided by justice, compassion, and cultural pride

These values guide everything we do—honoring the past, serving the present, and shaping a future of dignity and opportunity for all.