Hossein Masserat, researcher and cultural scholar from Yazd, acknowledged Shahriyar Hirbod as one of the distinguished figures of the province. He emphasized that Hirbod was among the few Zoroastrian researchers dedicated to the region.
The ISNA Yazd website, in an article titled A Glimpse into the Life of One of Yazd’s Rare Zoroastrian Researchers, published on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Mehr 19, 1403), featured an interview with Hossein Masserat. The complete discussion is available on the website for readers.
An Insight into the Life of a Rare Zoroastrian Researcher from Yazd
In the interview, Masserat identified Shahriar Hirbod as one of the notable contemporary figures of Yazd. He described him as a rare Zoroastrian researcher who conducted profound studies on the lifestyle, traditions, history, and culture of Yazd’s Zoroastrian community.
Masserat also shared details about Hirbod’s life, quoting his daughter Shahdokht. He said, “The late Shahriar Hirbod, who wrote under the pen name Rostam Shapur Mehr, was born on April 8, 1950 (Farvardin 19, 1329), in the village of Mobarakeh, located in Taft County, Yazd Province.”
He explained that Shahriar, raised in a culturally rich family, showed an early passion for writing and poetry. From young age, he had contributed many literary works and poems to magazines of the time.
Masserat shared that Hirbod worked as a facilities technician at Yazd Broadcasting Organization from 1355 (1976 to 2006). After retiring, he actively collaborated with Zoroastrian institutions, prominent figures, parliament members, and publications such as Amordad, Neda-ye Yazd, and Payam-e Madar.
Driven by his love for reviving traditions, Hirbod played a key role in revitalizing the Seti Pir pilgrimage site in 1375 (1996), sparking efforts to restore other forgotten sacred places in Yazd.
Known for his devotion to his faith, Hirbod adhered to Zoroastrian teachings and dressed in white, reflecting his values. He passed on Amordad 23, 1403 (August 15, 2024) after a cardiac arrest.
Hirbod was also dedicated to documenting the lives of Zoroastrian figures in Yazd. His first book, Peyvand-e Mehregan, focused on Zoroastrian marriage traditions and was published in 2005 with the support of Seyed Mohammad Mousavi.
Masserat shared that, with encouragement from him and friends, Hirbod compiled his memories of the life, traditions, history, and culture of Yazd’s Zoroastrians and his ancestors. Delighted with his efforts, Hirbod titled the work Razha-ye Mandegar (Enduring Secrets) and submitted it for publication. Masserat contributed introductory sections titled On the Wings of Memories and Prelude. However, due to obstacles in Yazd, the book was ultimately published in Mashhad under the title Khatereh-ye Rostam Shapur Mehr by Papeli Publishing.
He added that Hirbod authored two other books: Dastan Raz va Dashte Sepidar, Yadnameh-yi az Niakan (The Tale of Raz and the Plain of Aspens: A Memoir of Ancestors) in 2017 and Gohar-e Pak (The Pure Gem) in 2020, the latter having been reprinted three times.
Masserat praised Hirbod’s exceptional memory and commendable honesty. He also highlighted the centuries-long harmonious coexistence of Zoroastrians, Jews, and Muslims in Yazd. Over time, Zoroastrians of Yazd and Indian Parsis have established numerous charitable institutions, including water reservoirs, hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, and schools from kindergarten to high school, which continue to serve the entire community.
