The Zoroastrian community has always taken pride in its noble individuals. From ancient times to today, benevolent women and men have come to the aid of our coreligionists, offering invaluable services to our homeland. Through their actions, they not only left behind a legacy of honor and enduring contributions but also devoted themselves tirelessly to the preservation and prosperity of their country.
One such remarkable individual whose countless contributions to his homeland will never be forgotten is the late Arbab Esfandiar Yeganegi. A man of good reputation, exceptional ability, and generosity, his commitment to humanity, kindness, and altruism was inseparable from his thoughts and actions.
Early years and education
Esfandiar Yeganegi was born in Yazd in 1287 SH (1908) into the family of Bahram-Ardeshir Yeganegi, a well-respected and virtuous merchant, and his wife, Morvarid. The family included three sons—Ardeshir, who passed away at a young age, Esfandiar, the middle son, and Jamshid, the youngest—as well as two daughters, Farangis and Mehrbanu. The Yeganegis were known for their kindness, piety, and commitment to community service, and Bahram-Ardeshir, the late father, was held in high esteem by those who knew him.
Reflecting on his early years, Esfandiar recalled: “I remember, as a child, learning about faith and knowledge from my parents. They taught me the principles of humanity—truthfulness, love, purity, and benevolence. Before starting to go to school, my mother taught me that there is one God, Ahura Mazda. She told me our religion is the Good Religion (Din-e-Beh), and our prophet is Zoroaster, sent by God. Zoroaster’s message, Humta, Hukhta, Hvarashta—Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds—became the foundation of our lives. My parents emphasized that these principles were key to both personal and collective well-being and salvation.” (Biography of Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi, pages 70-71).
Academic Journey and Achievements
Esfandiar Yeganegi completed his primary education at Dinyari Elementary School in his hometown before moving to Tehran for further studies at the American High School, which was known for its exceptional teachers. His passion for learning led him to pursue higher education in the United States, a decision his father fully supported.
In 1309 SH (1930), he traveled to the U.S. and earned a doctorate in Economics and Financial Sciences from Columbia University. His dissertation, Monetary and Financial Transformations in Iran from 1875 to 1932, was groundbreaking and became a key reference for anyone studying Iran’s economic history in that era.
In his research, Esfandiar analyzed Iran’s commercial transformations from the late Qajar period to 1312 SH (1933), using detailed data, charts, and in-depth analysis to draw significant economic conclusions. He was one of the first Iranians to apply modern financial estimation techniques. This important work was translated into Persian in 1400 SH (2021) by Dr. Ahmad Meidari and published by Donyaye Eghtesad.
Despite his academic success, Esfandiar’s love for Iran and his desire to contribute to his homeland led him to return. After completing his military service as a second lieutenant, he briefly worked in his father’s trading company. In 1319 SH (1940), Esfandiar married Morvarid Zartoshti, and they had two sons, Bahram and Rostam, both of whom followed their father’s academic path and achieved success in their respective fields.
Yeganegi and the Introduction of Modern Irrigation in Iran
During his studies in the United States, Esfandiar Yeganegi observed the efficient irrigation systems used by American farmers, who relied on deep wells—a method far more effective than Iran’s traditional qanat system. Inspired by this, he sought to introduce modern irrigation techniques in Iran to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign imports.
In 1323 SH (1944), Yeganegi drilled the first deep well in Iran at Tehranpars-Abyali crossroads. Over the next 30 years, he successfully drilled 2,500 irrigation wells, transforming arid land into fertile soil. He funded many of these wells, assisting local farmers. Some notable examples include wells in Mazraeh-ye Kalantar village and the Qasr Firouzeh Zoroastrian cemetery, both of which continue to provide water today.
Yeganegi’s impact extended beyond irrigation. Following the 1341 SH (1962) Bouin-Zahra earthquake, he drilled wells to support affected communities. Additionally, the first city in Iran to establish a modern water network, Shiraz, benefited from deep wells drilled by Yeganegi’s organization in 1328 SH (1949). This innovation led other cities to adopt similar methods to secure their water supplies.
The late Yeganegi applied the knowledge he had gained in geology and agricultural land irrigation to his service work. His expertise in this area was so remarkable that, according to Shapur Mehr, foreign engineers assumed he held a PhD in geology. This was particularly surprising to them, as he had studied economics. His ability to excel in both irrigation and geology showcased his depth of knowledge and innovation.
In 1322 (1943), Yeganegi became the pioneer of modern scientific methods in irrigation in Iran. That year, under his leadership, the Irrigation Organization introduced drilling machinery and employed a skilled American expert, Jacques Richard. They began drilling the first deep wells to extract water from the earth, introducing new techniques for utilizing water resources and developing agricultural lands. This initiative led to widespread positive changes, including: improved agricultural conditions, access to clean water for rural and urban populations, reduced waterborne diseases, and the establishment of factories that were previously unable to operate due to a lack of water resources.
In the October 1972 issue of Sepid-o-Siah magazine (Mehr 1351), Ali Mansouri shared a memory of Dr. Yeganegi, highlighting his integrity: “Dr. Yeganegi’s name will always be at the forefront of those who served the country. He never took money from anyone without first providing a service. A mutual friend of ours once shared a story that the public should know. He owned a property in Saveh and approached Dr. Yeganegi to drill a well. Dr. Yeganegi told him, ‘The underground water here is scarce, and drilling a well will be fruitless.’ Despite this, the friend insisted, saying, ‘If there’s no water for me, at least there’s bread for you.’ After much persistence, they signed a contract, and the friend paid a twenty-thousand-toman deposit for the drilling. The workers drilled more than 150 meters, but no water was found. When the work stopped, the friend sent the remaining balance via check. A few days later, he received a letter from Dr. Yeganegi, returning both the check and deposit with a note saying, ‘I charge for water, and if no water is found, I won’t take a penny.’ Despite the friend’s insistence to pay at least half of the drilling cost, Dr. Yeganegi refused. In my view, a man who can part with money like that is no ordinary person; he should be counted among the righteous.” (Life of Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi, p. 104).
Renowned poet Hossein Masrour shared a memorable story: “In 1301 SH (1922), I visited Yazd, where water was scarce, and people fetched it from deep wells with long stairs. Years later, I returned to find the city transformed with flowing water and flower-lined streets. Locals explained that this change was due to Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi’s efforts in developing a new irrigation system, bringing water to Yazd and its surroundings. I was pleased to learn that Dr. Yeganegi, an economist educated in America, had used his wealth to improve agriculture and the infrastructure of his country.” (Life of Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi, p. 80).
Dr. Yeganegi’s efforts also led to the founding of the Botana Company in 1332 SH (1953), which distributed liquefied gas across the country. Additionally, he established a workshop in Bushehr for shipbuilding and oil drilling, further benefiting his fellow Iranians.
Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi’s contributions were not limited to his scientific and industrial work; he was also known for his generosity and charitable deeds. In 1333 SH (1954), he founded a prayer hall in Shiraz in memory of his mother, Mrs. Morvarid. In 1339 SH (1960), he established the Bahram Yeganegi Clinic in Tehran, located on land owned by the Tehran Zoroastrian Association. He funded the construction, furnishings, and equipment of the clinic. Additionally, in Zahedan, he built a hall named after his late sister to host religious ceremonies and social gatherings for the community.
Dr. Yeganegi’s charitable acts were numerous. He supported the construction of the Yazd Zoroastrian Youth Organization building, assisted students with their education, and contributed to the establishment of the Ardeshir Yeganegi Library in 1336 SH (1957), alongside Mrs. Farangis Yeganegi, in memory of her late husband. The library was a valuable resource for scholars.
Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi’s generosity extended beyond his community. Ney player Mohammad Mousavi recalls an act of kindness in 1949. After his ney and coat were stolen, Mousavi was unable to afford a replacement. When Dr. Yeganegi learned of the situation, he called Mousavi, invited him to his home, and gave him a check for 10,000 tomans with a note to use part for living expenses and the rest to buy a new ney. Mousavi was deeply touched by Dr. Yeganegi’s support during a difficult time.
In Isfahan, Mohammad Mousavi, who wanted a ney with custom hole placements, visited a respected ney maker named Reza Bilyari. Reza agreed to make the ney, and Mousavi purchased four for 2,000 tomans, using the opportunity to learn ney-making himself. Mousavi later went to the reed beds of Tehran, cut reeds, and began making ney for himself and close friends, noting that the reeds from Kashan were the finest in the world.
Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi served as a board member of the Zoroastrian Community Association of Tehran from 1320 SH (1941) until 1338, except for one year. He dedicated himself to supporting his community, never hesitating to assist with kindness and generosity. Yeganegi believed that Zoroastrians should take pride in their heritage and continually strive to learn about their religion and culture, something he had worked towards throughout his life.
Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi wrote: “As I have repeatedly mentioned, we Zoroastrians are naturally imbued with the teachings of Zoroaster, for our hearts and souls are intertwined with the principles and sayings of our prophet. However, to help our children become more knowledgeable and for followers of other religions to gain accurate understanding, we must all contribute to proper, unbiased research and sacrifices to help the misguided find the truth of Zoroastrianism. It is necessary that good people create small endowments and facilitate research and publication of valuable, timeless books, ensuring the world knows that anything unkind is neither of Zoroaster nor us.”
Regarding youth emigration, he emphasized: “Any initiative that does not focus on strengthening, nurturing, guiding, and providing necessary opportunities for our youth is unlikely to succeed. We have goals that we must believe in, and this should be fully conveyed to our youth. I urge them to consider staying and not emigrate. Migration and marrying abroad should be stopped, because we need the active presence of each and every member of our committee.”
Between 1320 and 1336 (1941 and 1957) Dr Yeganegi served 4 terms as the Zoroastrian representative in the national assembly. This too is considered one of his notable efforts.
In 1336 SH, Dr. Esfandiar Yeganegi established the “Konkash Yeganegi,” a platform designed to foster cooperation, reflection, and collective effort on social issues, aiming to find solutions for the challenges facing the Zoroastrian community. It became a venue for discussions and the exchange of valuable ideas.
In the final years of his life, Dr. Yeganegi struggled with diabetes. Despite receiving treatment in Minnesota, his condition worsened. After a life filled with selflessness, charity, and service, he passed away on 2nd Mehr 1351 (1972) at the age of 64. His body was returned to Iran, where it was greeted with special honors at Mehrabad Airport and laid to rest in Qasr Firoozeh cemetery.
Following his passing, during the 66th session of the National Assembly, the speaker expressed condolences and praised Dr. Yeganegi’s immense contributions. He requested a moment of silence in honor of this remarkable man, whose profound impact on his country would not be forgotten.
The Speaker of the National Assembly expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing of Dr. Yeganegi’s passing, stating, “I was deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Yeganegi’s death. He wasn’t just a loyal friend and colleague but a man of extraordinary kindness and virtues, whose like may never be seen again. Such men belong not only to their families but to the entire nation, and his loss is mourned by all who knew him.”
Dr. Yeganegi is remembered as a “model of kindness and compassion.” Dr. Bouzhermehr Mehr wrote, “He focused solely on goodness, embodying generosity, integrity, and love for others. He was devoted to Iranian culture and music, doing good without seeking reward. His kindness and smile reflected the beauty of his soul and heart. Dr. Yeganegi was truly a great man.”
