Zoroastrianism

Topic: Zoroastrianism

Three clay fragments bearing part of the Epic of Gilgamesh (photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Armin; FRCP / CC-by-sa 4.0)

Treasures of the Ancient Middle East

Deciphering the first written language

Some time around 3200 BC, humans living in the ancient Middle East developed the first written language. George Smith presented fragments of the Flood narrative from the ancient Middle Eastern story of Gilgamesh at a conference in London in 1872 – and mankind’s first epic was rediscovered. By Melanie Christina MohrMore

Between Tigris and Euphrates: Mesopotamia: the cradle of civilisation Islamic archaeology: Samarra, centre of the world Iraq's National Museum re-opens: Only photos on view of the Nimrud treasures

Faravahar is the symbol of Zoroastrianism, a religion based on the teaching of the prophet Zarathustra which originated in what is now modern-day Iran (source: Reza Sjadirad/DW)

Goethe and Zoroastrianism

The eternal battle between good and evil

All his life Johann Wolfgang von Goethe felt a strong connection with Persia. Not only did he feel a spiritual affinity with the poet Hafez, he was also inspired and fascinated by the teachings and practices of Zarathustra, who lived in the first millennium before Christ. Melanie Christina Mohr reportsMore

Zoroastrians in Iran: In decline Goethe and the Orient: Why did the poet's mind wander to far-off climes?Goethe′s fascination with the "Thousand and One Nights": Mephistopheles spoke; Scheherazade beguiled

The blue peacock, symbol of the Yazidi faith (source: Wikipedia)

The culture and faith of the Yazidis

Demonised and eternally misunderstood

Their persecution by Islamic State has put the Yazidis in the international spotlight. In her book on the Yazidis, Birgul Acikyildiz provides insights into the culture and faith of this endangered community. By Ulrich von SchwerinMore

The abduction of women by IS: Traded like cattle Photo gallery: Between fear and annihilation – Yazidi refugees in Iraq Yazidis and Kurds in Iraq: Are we arming the right people?Persecution of the Yazidis in Iraq: Don't abandon us!

A Persian "Haft Sin" table featuring seven foods and objects all beginning with the letter "s" (photo: Imago/UPI Photo)

Nowruz: one of the world's oldest festivals

"My paleness is yours, your colour is mine!"

The Iranian New Year celebration "Nowruz" has been a feature of Persian culture for more than 2,500 years. The roots of this festival lie in the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. Today, more than 300 million people all over the world celebrate Nowruz. Shohreh Karimian looks back at the history of this new year celebration and explains some of its customsMore

Photo gallery: Nowruz Iranian musician Shahram Nazeri: The Persian nightingale and the flowers of hope Iran and the Legacy of the Persians: Persepolis: A Political Compass

Topic: Zoroastrianism

In brief

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