The month of Ordibehesht serves as a somber reminder for the Zoroastrian community of Tehran. On Tuesday, May 29, 2003 (9 Ordibehesht 1382), a tragic incident shook the heart of the community — the Secretariat of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman was set ablaze. A staff member, trapped by the flames, suffered fatal burns and passed away days later in the hospital.
Just two months prior, in Esfand 1381, the donation safe designated for those in need at the Adorian Temple was stolen. The mishandling of that crisis led to escalating tensions, culminating in the devastating fire — a wound that scarred the entire Anjoman and community.
Now, with the upcoming general assembly and the 46th-term elections of the Anjoman, the Zoroastrians of Tehran have a meaningful chance to turn a painful memory into a powerful act of unity — a new triumph born of collaboration.
Civic engagement is a cornerstone of progress for the Zoroastrian community in Iran. Like all societies, its vitality depends on the active presence of its members. It is vital that Zoroastrians remain strongly engaged in public and cultural life, and do not let past hardships cast a shadow over their hopes. Looking ahead, it is only through collective effort that the future of the Tehran Anjoman can be shaped.
At this crucial juncture — with an important general assembly and decisive elections on the horizon — what the community needs most is calm, cohesion, and a shared commitment to a stronger tomorrow.
As we draw closer to these important community events, and in the interest of maintaining calm and unity, I will bring my series of writings on the Amordad website to a close. My only aim in sharing these reflections has been to inform fellow Zoroastrians about the key events that have shaped our community over the years. I deeply believe that repeating history is a mistake — and that any community unaware of its past risks reliving it over and over.
I sincerely thank all community members who have stepped forward to run in the 46th-term elections of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman, for the role of financial auditors for the year 1404, or for positions on the upcoming general assembly board. I have chosen not to register for any of these roles myself. There is so much to be done within the Anjoman that one need not hold a formal position to contribute meaningfully.
The Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman has always been a place of love and service — a space that has long belonged to the finest minds and most devoted individuals of our community. May it continue to remain so for generations to come.
I offer my deepest respects to the memory of all the past board members across 45 terms, and I feel it a duty to express my gratitude to the tireless auditors and members who, through various terms, dedicated themselves — and made sacrifices alongside their families — for the well-being of the Zoroastrian community.
Some of the content in my writings was derived from the diary of the Treasurer of the 42nd term of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman, who also served as the head of the Anjoman’s religious classes. These notes cover events from the 38th, 39th, 41st, and 42nd terms in which he was involved. In the final days of his life, he entrusted me with these incomplete writings.
As the current term of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman progresses, I wish success for the remaining period. I hope we have smooth elections, and that the 46th term of the Anjoman will be marked by honor and triumph.
I will forever be grateful to all past, present, and future members of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman. If my presence has been a burden, I will step away for now, but after the elections, I may return.
