Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is being showcased for the first time at Headstone Manor and Museum in Harrow, north-west London. The display includes silk saris called garas, family photographs, and sacred heirlooms that bring stories and memories of Zoroastrian migration to life. The faith originated in ancient Persia more than 3,000 years ago and has about 5,000 followers in the UK, with the largest community in London. Younger followers describe frequent misunderstanding of their religion, including confusion with other faiths. The religion centers on Ahura Mazda, believed to be the creator and embodiment of light and goodness. A community leader reflects on ancestors leaving Iran for Gujarat, where refugee status was granted.
"Silk saris known as garas, family photographs and sacred heirlooms are being displayed for the first time, helping bring stories and memories of Zoroastrian migration to life. Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia more than 3,000 years ago. There are about 5,000 Zoroastrians in the UK and the biggest community is in London. For younger followers such as Freyan Khambatta and Shazneen Munshi, the faith is still widely misunderstood, despite some well-known followers."
"Freyan said: "Growing up as a Zoroastrian in London, I feel like you don't really talk about it as much when you're younger. "But as I've gotten older, I find it coming up in conversations more." Freyan added: "I mention to people that the likes of Freddie Mercury are some of our most famous Zoroastrian figures and they actually go 'oh tell me more about it, I'd love to know more about this religion I've never heard of'.""
"Shazneen agreed: "At school when I told people I was a Zoroastrian some would say 'what did you say? You're a Rastafarian?' "So there would be a lot of confusion about my religion. But over the years I've been so passionate about keeping the Zoroastrian flame burning for future generations.""
"The religion is based around Ahura Mazda, who is believed to be the creator and the embodiment of light and goodness. Malcolm Deboo, President of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, reflected on the long history of the Zoroastrian community in exile. He said: "Over a thousand years ago my ancestors departed from Iran and sailed to Gujarat in India, where the local king granted us refugee status.""
Read at www.bbc.com
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