The museum section of Markar Orphanage in Yazd hosted Nowruz tourists during the holiday season.
Markar Museum of Yazd, also known as the Museum of Zoroastrian History and Culture, is one of the 14 top museums in Iran and a significant attraction among Yazd’s museums. Situated in the basement of the Markar Orphanage complex, this museum opened its doors in the year 1394 (2015). Established with the support of philanthropic Zoroastrians, it provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Zoroastrian customs and ceremonies.
The museum includes various sections, such as Zoroaster’s Room, the Celebration Room, a Faravahar Painting, Fire Lighting on the Roof, the Sedreh-Pushi Initiation Ceremony, a Film Screening Room, an exhibition of Traditional Zoroastrian Clothing, information on Zoroastrian Pilgrimage Sites, as well as a shop and library—all housed in the basement of the Markar Orphanage.
The Markar Orphanage was founded in 1301 (1922) by Pashutan Ji Dusabhai Markar, a Parsi philanthropist and businessman living in India. Recognizing Yazd as the heart of Iran’s Zoroastrian community at the time, he chose the city to establish an orphanage dedicated to the education and care of orphaned children. In 1303 (1924), he traveled to Yazd along with a group of Parsis from India to assess the living conditions of Zoroastrians. Upon returning to India, he delivered speeches in various cities, successfully raising 50,000 rupees to enhance the educational opportunities for Zoroastrian children in Iran.
