Introduction:

I was thrilled about this year’s Devconnect in the beautiful city of Istanbul. As an Iranian solidity developer, the opportunity to be part of a global gathering of tech enthusiasts was too good to pass up. Excited to connect with like-minded individuals, explore innovative projects, and become an active part of the broader community, attending this event promised more than I could have imagined. The challenges of obtaining visas for Iranians were undeniable, but the accessibility of Turkey made it an appealing opportunity. What followed was not just my entry into Devconnect but a journey filled with transformative experiences in every interaction, session, and moment. In this detailed exploration, I will guide you through the layers of my journey, the impact of the Devconnect Scholar program, and the valuable insights gained from the Iranian community.

Seizing the Opportunity as a Devconnect Scholar:

The decision to attend Devconnect was met with both excitement and logistical hurdles. However, my determination to make the most of this opportunity propelled me forward. To enhance my engagement and contribution to Devconnect, I aimed for the Devconnect Scholar program. This wasn’t just about attending; it was a platform to share my voice within the community. Being accepted into the Scholar program marked a turning point, unlocking doors to possibilities and excitement beyond my initial expectations.

Empowering the Iranian Community: A Call to Action:

My transformative Devconnect experience instilled a sense of responsibility to extend this opportunity to fellow Iranians. As a member of Women In Blockchain Farsi (Crypt0zan), our project focuses on nurturing the local community, especially women in the Middle East. Breaking through governmental restrictions and societal barriers, our mission is to create an environment conducive to growth and collaboration. To better understand the challenges faced by Iranians interested in Ethereum, I initiated a dialogue within our community, posing essential questions:

• In your interactions with other Iranians interested in Ethereum, what common challenges have you observed, and how do you think a platform like Devconnect could address these collectively?
• As an Iranian engaging with Ethereum, how important do you think community support and collaboration facilitated by Devconnect are in overcoming shared challenges?

Insights from the Iranian Community:

The responses from the Iranian community members unveiled the challenges they face and potential solutions that platforms like Devconnect could offer.

Amirsadegh highlighted the relatively low presence of Iranians in global activities and events. He emphasized the positive impact of dual citizenship in fostering connections and facilitating Iranians’ entry into the global space. Furthermore, he articulated how these connections could pave the way for future collaborations.

Mehdi, sharing his perspective, underlined the significant challenge of Iranian unfamiliarity with global events. His proposed solutions included organizing more events in geographically accessible regions and holding campaigns supported by the Ethereum Foundation to showcase Iranian enthusiasts and developers.

Sanaz brought attention to the need for a platform like Devconnect that facilitates Iranians in finding each other and sharing experiences. She suggested that the Ethereum Foundation could play a crucial role in curating a list of legitimate and trustworthy Iranian projects, a vital resource in navigating challenges like sanctions and scams.

Elyas stressed the importance of networking events like Devconnect for Iranians, both within and outside Iran. He acknowledged that such events are infrequently organized within the country, making the support of a group or organization invaluable in every aspect.

Meysam, sharing his unique insights, highlighted the challenges Iranians face on social media, leading many to conceal their Iranian identity. He underscored the importance of in-person interactions for sharing experiences and learnings, particularly in the face of unique problems like Know Your Customer (KYC) issues and platform rejections.

Panel and Session — Entering the World of Web3 Developers:

Adding another layer to the Devconnect experience, an event was organized by Women In Blockchain Farsi and Coiniran Academy to bring Farsi speakers together. The event served as a platform to discuss the journey, challenges faced, and experiences of being part of CoinIran, a community initiative.

Coiniran on Twitter: "🎉دورهمی و پنل ورود به دنیای توسعه دهندگان web3 همزمان با رویداد دوکانکت در استانبول▫️توی این دورهمی از دوره های اخیر آکادمی کوین ایران، از مسیری که طی شده، از چالش هایی که داشتیم و تجربیات شما از همراهی با کوین ایران صحبت شد. @sbetamc @baharlikespring @Sahar_banoo_... pic.twitter.com/hNb01akBD6 / Twitter"

🎉دورهمی و پنل ورود به دنیای توسعه دهندگان web3 همزمان با رویداد دوکانکت در استانبول▫️توی این دورهمی از دوره های اخیر آکادمی کوین ایران، از مسیری که طی شده، از چالش هایی که داشتیم و تجربیات شما از همراهی با کوین ایران صحبت شد. @sbetamc @baharlikespring @Sahar_banoo_... pic.twitter.com/hNb01akBD6

Key figures in the community, such as Shayan and Bahar, co-founders of Coiniran, Shir Ya Khat podcast, and Women in Blockchain Farsi, shared insights into the challenges faced and the growth of the community. Shayan elaborated on the effects of sanctions and the ups and downs encountered along the way. Bahar delved into the twists and turns of the journey from inception to the present, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Coiniran’s side activities.

Sahar, Women in Blockchain Farsi co-founder and an instructor of Solidity smart contract bootcamp courses shared her motivation to step into the educational path and help the development of others. The event resonated with a shared commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering growth in the Persian community.

Sahar’s poignant story about making a difference, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, added a powerful dimension to the event by telling the following anecdote:

The tale of a man returning oysters to the sea, one shell at a time, resonated deeply with the audience. It served as a metaphor for the collective efforts of the community to make a difference, no matter how small, in the face of challenges.

Top graduated students from the 2023 Ethereum Developer Bootcamp, developed by CoinIran and WIB Farsi, which was made possible with the support of IranUnchained grant, had the opportunity to share their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of educational initiatives. Their stories provided a glimpse into the transformative power of education and mentorship within the Iranian community.

The event also featured active project discussions, with attendees sharing their experiences and current paths. The exchange of ideas, networking, and interactions during the event highlighted the potential for community-driven initiatives to create a more connected and supportive environment.

Conclusion:

My Devconnect experience as an Iranian Solidity Developer and Devconnect Scholar has been nothing short of transformative. The journey from anticipation to active participation, supported by the Devconnect Scholar program, has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by Iranians in the Ethereum space. The voices of the Iranian community members echo a collective desire for increased visibility, collaboration, and support.

The event organized with the backing of Devconnect served as a milestone in bringing the Iranian community together, fostering open dialogue, and celebrating the resilience of initiatives like CoinIran. The stories shared by community leaders and top students underscore the profound impact of education, mentorship, and community-driven efforts.

Looking ahead, the call to action is clear. Devconnect and the Ethereum Foundation have the potential to play pivotal roles in empowering the Iranian community further. By addressing the challenges highlighted by community members, these platforms can contribute to the creation of a more united, organized, and globally accepted identity for Iranian enthusiasts in the Ethereum space.

As we navigate the Ethereum landscape, we strive to rescue one “shell” at a time, making a collective difference that extends beyond borders. The hope is that, with continued support and collaboration, the Iranian community will not only overcome existing challenges but also emerge as a vibrant and integral part of the global Ethereum ecosystem. The journey continues, and the potential for positive change remains boundless.

The narrative of my Devconnect journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. Each interaction, session, and experience has contributed to a collective tapestry of growth, resilience, and empowerment within the Iranian community. As we move forward, the echoes of Devconnect resonate not just within the walls of a conference but in the hearts and aspirations of a community determined to carve its path in the landscape of technology and innovation.

My journey, as illuminated by Devconnect, is a beacon of hope for the Iranian community and others facing similar challenges. It symbolizes the resilience and collective strength that can be harnessed through collaboration and a shared commitment to growth. As the echoes of Devconnect reverberate, they serve as an inspiration for communities worldwide, showing that even small efforts, like returning one oyster to the sea at a time, can collectively make a significant impact.

Looking forward, the narrative continues, and the potential for positive change remains unlimited. The Devconnect experience has laid the foundation for a more connected, informed, and empowered Iranian community within the Ethereum ecosystem. It’s a testament to the power of inclusivity, support, and the belief that, collectively, we can overcome obstacles and create pathways for growth and success.

In conclusion, my Devconnect journey has been more than just a series of events; it has been a transformative chapter in the broader narrative of community-building and technological advancement. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain and development, the lessons learned and connections made during Devconnect will continue to guide our collective efforts. Together, we move forward, not just as individuals but as a united force, shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

& I continued my journey as a hacker at the ETHGlobal Istanbul hackathon.