Apr 17 2008
Washingtonpost.com has a multimedia-like feature on Zoroastrians in Iran. A quick scan of the first page does not reveal any date for the feature, but I think it could be from the year 2000 or so. It is available in an HTML and a flash version. I did not have the time to go through it myself but decided to post the link here. Enjoy it:
Apr 14 2008
Following the invasion of Iraq statements like this have appeared all over the Internet:
As a minority in Muslim societies, the Kurds often tell their children that Islam was forced on them by Arab conquerors. In recent years, many have returned to the original religion of Zoroastrianism, a condition that suggests a greater ethnic rather than religious identification. [1]
I wonder what the background to this is? Since Zoroastrianism is a non-proselytising religion and conversion numbers as one of the most heated debates within the Zoroastrian community, it is unlikely that official conversions take place among the Kurds. The recent and ongoing conflicts between the Yazidis and Muslims demonstrate that the current sectarian climate in Iraq is near boiling point, and that conversion carries grave repercussions and is thus virtually unthinkable. As the title of this particular post suggests, all these statements seem to be politically motivated. Now, I do not understand politics, nor do I desire to understand or analyse politics. I only wonder, if it is true that conversions take place, who is the religious authority that converts these “many” Kurds who “have returned to the original religion of Zoroastrianism”? In which part of Kurdistan do the conversions take place? What are the numbers of people converted? Does anyone know? Strange news, isn’t it?
Oct 21 2007
Small in numbers, but big in history, these days Zoroastrians seem to live a quite life without much publicity surrounding their religious beliefs and practices. It is rather rare that the attention of the public is drawn to Zoroastrianism. That’s why Ted Rall’s choice to use Zoroastrianism as the theme of one of his cartoons is so surprising.
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Ted Rall
Universal Press Syndicate Oct 20, 2007 |
Oct 21 2007
According to Press TV a joint Iranian-Polish team has started excavations at the site of the Azar Barzin Mehr fire temple in Sabzevar, northeastern Iran. This fire temple dates back to the Sassanid era.
Comments Off
Oct 06 2007
No comment, whatsoever:
Perhaps one option would be to counter the Islamic takeover of Iran in 733. Western countries could send in groups of Missionaries to preach Zoroatrianism, the religion of Iran before 733.
The practice of Isalm in Iran incorporates some of the rituals from the Zoroastrianism Religion. The holy book, the GATHAS, could be provided by the missionaries.
Missionaries to preach Zoroastrianism could be recruited from Western jails. Volunteers could receive reduced sentences for studying Farsi and volunteering to go preach the GATHAS. Zoroastrianism is similar to the Old Testament in the Holy Bible.
I previously started a thread on Zoroastrianism under Religion.
http://www.debatepolitics.com/religi…nst-islam.html (Zoroastrianism for Iran Against Islam)
State Sponsored illegal immigration is causing consternation in the US. Why not use unwelcome immigrants as part of a strategy against Iran’s Islamic Militant government, which deposed Zoroastrianism?
The West should oppose the Islamic Militant Regime of Iran by supoprting hte Religion of Zoroastrianism, in Iran.
The missionaries could be given a Colt Peacemaker, 5 shot, 6 cylinder 45 Caliber Revolver. They would agree not to be considered hostages if put in jail, or otherwise detained. The objective is Peace.
I discovered this joke at Debate Politics Forums
Oct 03 2007
Farouk Manecksha, a Parsi from Malaysia, sums up what practicing Zoroastrianism means to him:
Being Zoroastrian means leading an active, industrious, honest and above all, a happy and charitable life guided by the religious principles of good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
Aug 12 2007
According to Press TV Takht-e Soleyman, in West Azerbaijan, will become a museum, which should result in many benefits for the site. Takht-e Soleyman is believed to be one of the holiest shrines of Zoroastrianism.
May 20 2007
Few days ago, a friend received her first Zoroastrian spam mail. I found it interesting, so here it goes:
From: Dr. Agathangelos Eutropius II <eutropiusii@yahoo.es>
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 22:51:09 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Zorastrianism GreetingsDireccion: calle Brazil 10, 28025 Madrid
Date: 15th 05 2007
Our Ref: ZG/1007MAZorastrianism Greetings,
The Mithras Association with guidiance of Mit(h)ra, has this day the 15th 05 2007 has granted you the sum of US$ 830,000:00 only as a tribute for the Spinoff of Zorastrianism celebration (Celebration of Light). After series of secret deliberations by the Abrahadabra Forums, eight (8) people were selected from around the globe to be benefactors of the Spinoff of Zorastrianism celebration free light aid.
May 15 2007
In his article, Arab history spat highlights Sunni-Shi’ite rift, Andrew Hammond takes a look at the historic tensions between Sunni and Shi’ite Islam. It is quite interesting to see how the problems progress and stay alive throughout history and evolve into today’s tensions. I agree with him that history never really dies, at least not in the Middle East. And lovely to see how, all of the sudden, Zoroastrianism pops up in the middle of the discussion:
The Permanent Committee for Religious Research and Opinion — an official body of state-appointed clerics headed by Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh — slammed the Fatimids as depraved atheists who faked their descent from the Prophet.
“(Fatimid rulers) were infidel, godless, depraved atheists who renounced Islam and believed in Zoroastrianism,” said a religious edict of April 8, citing Sunni historians.
Interesting article, don’t miss it.
May 13 2007
International Herald Tribune has an interesting follow-up on the vulture issue in Mumbai. “Meanwhile: Lose the vultures, and lose the soul” recounts the story of Dhun Baria and the photographs of her deceased mother that were published in August 2006 in connection with the diminishing numbers of the vultures in Mumbai that are essential to the Parsi community of the city.
