Zoroastrian

A Zoroastrian is an adherent to Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion founded in the early part of the 5th century BCE ^[1]. The religion is based on the teachings and philosophies of Zoroaster.

Since the Muslim conquest of Persia, Zoroastrianism has become increasingly marginalized, and by the 9th century Iran had become predominantly Islamic. During the 10th century onwards several groups of Zoroastrians emigrated to Western India, where they became known as the Parsis. ^[2] Today, Zoroastrianism has its stronghold in India, but Zoroastrianism still survives in Iran proper (where Zoroastrians are now a constitutionally-protected minority). There is also a Zoroastrian diaspora, the largest groups of which are in North America and in the countries of the British Commonwealth. Although Zoroastrianism was once widespread through many of the Iranic peoples, Zoroastrians generally live as scattered minorities in Iran and India today. ^[3]

Notes

Sources

• Boyce, Mary (1979), Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, Routledge, ISBN 0710001215 
• Safra, Jacob (2002), The New Encyclopaedia Britannica: Volume 29, 15th Edition, Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc, ISBN 0852297874 

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