07.2008 - Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Report on religious freedom (published in July 2008): The situation of Zoroastrians in Iran ("Religious Freedom Profile") [ID 24897]

"According to the UNHCR, there are around 45,000 Zoroastrians living in Iran. Zoroastrianism is an ancient Near Eastern religion that has had a dominant presence among Persian people before the conversion of Persians to Islam. This close historical link with the national identity of Persians and the relative respect Islam shows to religions preceding Islam has resulted in their official recognition and tolerance.

Although Zoroastrians enjoy legal freedoms such as the ability to open schools and charitable associations, they share similar difficulties with other minorities in accessing employment in the public sector."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Zoroastrians number 30,000 to 60,000 adherents ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21184]

"The Government estimates there are 30,000 to 35,000 Zoroastrians, a primarily ethnic Persian minority; however, Zoroastrian groups claim to have 60,000 adherents."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

No reports of government harassment of the Zoroastrian community ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17773]

"There were no reports of government harassment of the Zoroastrian community during the reporting period; however, the community remained unable to convene a Spiritual Assembly to manage its religious affairs for fear of official retaliation, and there were reports of discrimination in employment and education. In 2004, Zoroastrians were able to make, apparently without government interference, their annual pilgrimage to one of the holiest sites of their faith, the temple of Chak-Chak (near the city of Yazd)."

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Religious freedom ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41317],  [ID 8870]

"[...]The constitution recognizes Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians as religious minorities and generally allows them to worship without interference so long as they do not proselytize. However, they are barred from election to representative bodies (though a set number of parliamentary seats are reserved for them), cannot hold senior government or military positions, and face restrictions in employment, education, and property ownership.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Home Office

UK Home Office: No reports of government harassment of the Zoroastrian community during last year reported ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556],  [ID 8871]

"5.61. The Zoroastrian (the pre-Islamic religion of Iran) population of several thousand includes South Asian Zoroastrians (Parsis) and is concentrated in the southern cities of Yazd and Kerman. The Government figures reported by the United Nations in 1996 place the size of the Zoroastrian community at approximately 35,000 adherents. Zoroastrian groups cite a larger figure of approximately 60,000, according to the same U.N. report. Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the pre-Islamic Sassanid Empire and thus played a central role in the country's history. Traditionally, Zoroastrians do not accept converts and favour marriage between blood relations; they do not proselytise. They are free to practice and teach their religion and have one representative in the Majlis.
5.62. There were no reports of government harassment of the Zoroastrian community during the period covered by this report."

Document(s): Open document