Amid Small Zoroastrian Population, Many Convert to Islam or Emigrate to Other Countries

July 15, 2004

Source: Reuters

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=S1C1EN5HZN1JACRBAEZSFFA?type=topNews&storyID=5682139

On July 15, 2004 Reuters reported, "Zoroastrians say the sacred spring at Chak Chak, a shrine perched beneath a towering cliff face in the searing desert of central Iran, has lost none of its miraculous healing powers...[deriving from] the ghost of Nikbanou, a 7th century Persian princess who fled to the mountain refuge, escaping Arab horsemen who thundered across the border and planted the green pennants of Islam in Iranian soil...In early summer, Zoroastrians from across the world meet at the shrine where Nikbanou sought refuge. During the scorching daylight hours they doze on rugs, have picnics and attend prayers in the cool grotto shrine around the flame focal to their worship...Iran's Shi'ite Muslims are generally tolerant of the ancient religion. 'We get on fine, we use each other's shops and chat every day,' said Mohammad Ali Karimi, who teaches Islamic history and religion in a primary school in the nearby city of Yazd, 250 miles southeast of Tehran. 'But many of them are emigrating or becoming Muslims,' he added...Many Zoroastrians at Chak Chak said whole families would convert to Islam if someone married outside the community so they would not be denied inheritance payments under Iranian law. Zoroastrians have their own member of parliament and hold high positions in bodies such as the Oil Ministry. They say their communities are more vibrant in Canada and Australia...Former parliamentarian Khosro Dabestani insisted problems for Zoroastrians were the same as those for most Iranians but many disagreed. Some said friends and family had been denied jobs teaching in universities because they were Zoroastrians. Another mentioned being booted out of a chess team just before reaching national level."