A Zoroastrian priest adds wood to the Atash Bahram ("Fire of Victory" or Eternal Flame) in the sanctum at the Fire Temple of Yazd in central Iran on July 4, 2023. Zoroastrianism dates back some 3,500 years, but centuries of persecution have dwindled its numbers and a fast-changing modern world has left it struggling to adjust. Founded by the prophet Zarathustra, it was the predominant religion of the ancient Persian empire, until the rise of Islam with the Arab conquests of the seventh century. Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated at around 200,000 people who live mainly in Iran and India. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
A Zoroastrian priest adds wood to the Atash Bahram ("Fire of Victory" or Eternal Flame) in the sanctum at the Fire Temple of Yazd in central Iran on July 4, 2023. Zoroastrianism dates back some 3,500 years, but centuries of persecution have dwindled its numbers and a fast-changing modern world has left it struggling to adjust. Founded by the prophet Zarathustra, it was the predominant religion of the ancient Persian empire, until the rise of Islam with the Arab conquests of the seventh century. Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated at around 200,000 people who live mainly in Iran and India. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
The fragrant holy fire "has been burning for more than 1,500 years", said Simin, a tour guide welcoming visitors to the Zoroastrian fire temple in Iran's central Yazd province.
The fragrant holy fire "has been burning for more than 1,500 years", said Simin, a tour guide welcoming visitors to the Zoroastrian fire temple in Iran's central Yazd province.
Founded by the prophet Zarathustra, it was the predominant religion of the ancient Persian empire, until the rise of Islam
Founded by the prophet Zarathustra, it was the predominant religion of the ancient Persian empire, until the rise of Islam
They venerate fire as a supreme form of purity. Alongside water, air and earth, the elements must not be contaminated by human activity, according to their faith.
They venerate fire as a supreme form of purity. Alongside water, air and earth, the elements must not be contaminated by human activity, according to their faith.
Only Zoroastrian priests are allowed in the Yazd sanctum, covering their faces to prevent vapour and breath from contaminating the sacred fire
Only Zoroastrian priests are allowed in the Yazd sanctum, covering their faces to prevent vapour and breath from contaminating the sacred fire
Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated at around 200,000 people who live mainly in Iran and India.
Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated at around 200,000 people who live mainly in Iran and India.
Zoroastrians believe that "good thoughts, good words, good deeds" are the key to happiness and spirituality.
Zoroastrians believe that "good thoughts, good words, good deeds" are the key to happiness and spirituality.
"Joy is essential in the practice of our religion," Simin, the tour guide, noted, mentioning multiple religious celebrations.
"Joy is essential in the practice of our religion," Simin, the tour guide, noted, mentioning multiple religious celebrations.
One of those festivals, Nowruz, marks the new Persian year and is celebrated to this day by Iran's overwhelmingly Shiite Muslim majority.
One of those festivals, Nowruz, marks the new Persian year and is celebrated to this day by Iran's overwhelmingly Shiite Muslim majority.
Tehran recognises Zoroastrians as a religious minority, granting them freedom of worship and representation in parliament
Tehran recognises Zoroastrians as a religious minority, granting them freedom of worship and representation in parliament
Zoroastrians are barred from careers in Iran's armed forces and cannot run for president.
Zoroastrians are barred from careers in Iran's armed forces and cannot run for president.
A funerary rite known as "dakhma" was banned in Iran since the late 1960s for sanitary reasons as it involves exposing the dead bodies atop a platform known as "the tower of silence"
A funerary rite known as "dakhma" was banned in Iran since the late 1960s for sanitary reasons as it involves exposing the dead bodies atop a platform known as "the tower of silence"
Among the community's most famous exiles is legendary Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, born to a Zoroastrian family originally from India.
Among the community's most famous exiles is legendary Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, born to a Zoroastrian family originally from India.
Zoroastrian priests have sought to open centres abroad, including in California in the US
Zoroastrian priests have sought to open centres abroad, including in California in the US

MENA

Iran

Iran's Zoroastrians keep ancient, sacred flame burning - in pictures

Zoroastrianism dates back 3,500 years, persecution has dwindled its numbers as it struggles to adjust to the modern world

The National

July 23, 2023

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Updated: July 23, 2023, 8:20 AM
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