Iranian Society of Washington State

The Iranian Society of Washington State (ISOWS) is a nonprofit cultural organization founded in 2012 to promote Iranian traditions and to encourage community participation in the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Based in Kirkland, Washington, the organization has become a regular presence in the region’s cultural landscape, most notably through its annual Nowruz celebration held at Marina Park Pavilion on the shores of Lake Washington.

According to the organization, its work is guided by values of inclusivity, education, integrity, and cultural celebration. ISOWS emphasizes creating an accessible environment in which individuals of all backgrounds may participate in Iranian cultural activities. The group states that it aims to showcase the richness of Iranian heritage while encouraging understanding across different communities.

Education forms a central part of ISOWS’s mission. The organization offers programs directed at younger participants during its Nowruz events, reflecting its intention to nurture cultural awareness among future generations and to preserve traditions within the Iranian-American community.

ISOWS is volunteer-led and encourages public involvement in its activities, including opportunities to assist with events and to support community outreach. Through its cultural programming, educational initiatives, and emphasis on openness, the Iranian Society of Washington State aims to maintain cultural continuity while fostering community engagement in the Pacific Northwest.