Relying on Armenian and Persian archival sources and 17th-century western travelers' accounts, this study explores the social composition of Armenian refugees in Iran, their treatment by the Safavid state, the emergence of the diocese of New Julfa from 1605 to 1725, and its relations with the head of the Armenian church and Catholic missionaries. Argues that the diocese was one of the most important sees of the church, uniquely situated as a socially and economically privileged elite among the majority of poor Armenian settlers, and has left a cultural legacy evidenced by textbooks used in Armenian schools until the middle of the 19th century. An appendix consisting of 22 relevant documents presented in their original languages and translation is included. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.