In the late years of the Qajar dynasty, a place where newspapers were made available for free reading was known as a “reading room.” During the reign of Muzaffar al-Din Shah, the first reading room was established in Iran, followed by the creation of several others in later years. In 1301 (three years before the Qajar dynasty ended), the Zoroastrians of Iran established the “Ferdowsi Reading Room” to provide daily newspapers and magazines to those who wished to read. Additionally, foreign language courses were held at this reading room.
The initial location of the Ferdowsi Reading Room was on Ala-ol-Dawlah Street (now Ferdowsi Street), but it was later moved to Naserieh Street (now Naser Khosrow Street), across from the well-known Shourin Pharmacy of that time. This relocation took place in Mehr 1302, with an announcement published in the Qanun newspaper. Qanun was a publication focused on news and politics, and the announcement included the hours of operation for the Ferdowsi Reading Room: from 8 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 9 PM. The announcement also noted that English, French, and Persian languages would be taught there.
It is noteworthy that the Zoroastrian Progress Association issued this announcement. This organization, occasionally referred to as the “Zoroastrian Progressive Committee” or “Parsi Progressive Committee,” was the founding entity of the Ferdowsi Reading Room. However, despite the author’s efforts, there is little available information about the association, and it is not extensively mentioned in written sources.
Inauguration of the Zoroastrian Progressive Committee’s Reading Room
The Ferdowsi Reading Room officially opened in the early days of Dey 1301 (December 1922). On the same day, a reporter from the Etehad newspaper covered the event, providing a detailed report. It is believed that Etehad was affiliated with the Iranian Democratic Party, and its editor-in-chief was a man named Kazem Etehad. The reporter’s account of the ceremony, published in issue 19 of Jaddi (Dey) 1301, reads as follows:
“On Friday, 14th of Jaddi 1301, we had the honor of attending the inauguration of the Ferdowsi Reading Room, a project initiated by the Zoroastrian Progressive Committee. A statue of Ferdowsi was placed on a table, surrounded by a tray of flowers with the Shahnameh in the center. The event began with Khodarahm Bahman explaining the goals and contributions of the Zoroastrian Progressive Committee, as well as the reasons for naming the reading room after Ferdowsi. Following that, Mr. Ardeshiri spoke about the significant achievements of Ferdowsi, stressing the importance of honoring his spirit by living according to his wisdom. Mohammad Reza Khan, a talented student at the Political School, then delivered a brief speech. Mr. Mirzadeh Eshghi, known for his impromptu verse, recited spontaneous poetry in praise of Ferdowsi’s virtues and contributions. Finally, Mr. Sadegh Boroujerdi gave an extensive speech, encouraging the attendees to put forth effort and action. The event concluded with the participants leaving the newly opened institution with a sense of renewed purpose, and the ceremony wrapped up as the sun set.”
A Few Notes
Several points from the Etehad newspaper report require clarification. First, Rasam Arzhangi, who attended the opening of the Ferdowsi Reading Room, also mentioned the event in his memoirs. He wrote: “A Zoroastrian had opened a reading room named Ferdowsi at the current location of the carpet company. On the opening day, he asked to borrow my bust of Ferdowsi, which I temporarily lent to them. I was invited to the opening, and Eshghi, who recited a poem titled ‘Ferdowsi,’ also attended, but he didn’t mention me or my statue” (Arzhangi, p. 167). Sadly, the bust of Ferdowsi created by Arzhangi is now lost.
The poem recited by Mirzadeh Eshghi (1875–1924) at the event is included in his Divan (collected works). The note explains: “In 1333 AH, Eshghi spontaneously composed this poem at the Ferdowsi Reading Room, where Zoroastrians of Tehran had gathered to honor Ferdowsi” (Kolliyat-e Mosavvar Eshghi, p. 390). Two lines of the poem read:
“What should be done for Ferdowsi, who did his work well?
Through the power of his nature and miraculous speech.
He revived the dead children of Iran from many centuries,
From the Amu River to the Sea of Oman, he brought them back to life.”
Khodarahm Bahman, who spoke at the event, had been a member of the Tehran Zoroastrian Association during its 7th and 8th terms (1298–1302 SH) (Pourrostami, pp. 156-157). In the election for the president of the association in 1302 SH, Khodarahm Bahman lost to Arbab Keykhosrow Shahrokh, receiving only 6 votes compared to Shahrokh’s 196 (Amini, p. 191).
Sadegh Boroujerdi (who died in 1943), another speaker, was a renowned poet and activist during the Constitutional Revolution.
Finally, Ardeshir Ji Reporter (1865–1932), a Parsi from India, was another notable figure present at the event, though his attendance sparked some criticism, which warrants further discussion.
Criticism
As mentioned, Ardeshir Ji Reporter’s presence at the opening of the Ferdowsi Reading Room sparked some protests. A month later, the Ofogh Roshan weekly published a report in which, while congratulating Zoroastrians of Tehran for the opening, they criticized his participation. The report stated: “While we congratulate the Zoroastrians on this noble initiative, Ardeshir Ji’s presence at the Ferdowsi Reading Room is inappropriate” (Kohestani-Najad, p. 138).
The reasons behind the objections to Ardeshir Ji’s presence are tied to the political context of that time. It’s also worth noting that Ofogh Rowshan, published by Aqabozorg Kashiri, was known for fiercely criticizing British policies in its editorials.
Theatrical Performances at the Ferdowsi Reading Room
The Ferdowsi Reading Room occasionally hosted theatrical performances. One announcement published in Qanun newspaper (30th of Mehr, 1302 SH) described an upcoming performance:
“Grand Play
For the benefit of the Ferdowsi Reading Room
The play will be presented in four acts with an orchestra on Friday night, the 22nd of Sha’ban, at the Grand Hotel, performed by the best actors and actresses in Tehran. It promises to celebrate Iran’s resurgence and offer a new hope for those who love this land… Those interested in supporting this cause should purchase tickets before they sell out. – The Committee of Progressive Zoroastrians.”
A similar performance had also been held a year earlier at the Grand Hotel in November 1301 SH, inviting intellectuals to attend (Kouhestani-Najad, pp. 135-136).
Call for the Ferdowsi Reading Room
On December 5, 1301, SH, Etehad newspaper published an announcement from the “Committee of Progressive Zoroastrians,” requesting that all newspaper editors send a copy of their publication to the Ferdowsi Reading Room on Ala’ al-Dawla Street to help promote knowledge. This request was met with positive response from the press. Eghtesad Iran newspaper expressed support, urging the Zoroastrian community and the Progressive Committee to successfully establish the public reading room (Kouhestani-Najad, p. 136-137).
Conclusion
While the extent of references to the “Committee of Progressive Zoroastrians” and the “Ferdowsi Reading Room” in historical records is unclear, it is important for historians to publish any remaining documents to shed light on the committee’s cultural contributions, ensuring this chapter of Zoroastrian history is preserved.
