Khosro Behdin asked why the Tehran Zoroastrian Association, despite financial challenges, still has substantial rent receivables from Firoozgar Hospital and why payments have not been collected.
Afshin Namiranian explained that while the hospital intends to pay, the current economic situation makes it difficult. “The association’s receivables have slightly improved. The lease ends in early Mehr. Last year, the hospital paid with a seven-month delay; this year, it is expected to settle within three or four months,” he said.
Namiranian highlighted the integrity of Dr. Khaleghian, the hospital director, who noted that Firoozgar Hospital is owed a large sum by Social Security and lacks funds to pay rent. Farshad Pourrostami added, “It’s a chain: the hospital is owed by Social Security, and the association is owed by the hospital.”
Namiranian confirmed that the association could choose not to renew the lease, but noted a financial challenge: the security deposit is substantial, and the association cannot pay it currently. Farshad Farahifard added that there is also no ready buyer for the building.
Tehran Zoroastrian Association Head: Over Half of Income Comes from Four Buildings, Creating Risk
Afshin Namiranian, head of the Tehran Zoroastrian Association, said that more than 50% of the association’s revenue comes from four properties: the Kharman Khanoom Giv building, Hormoz Hemmati Hotel, Kharasheh Sports Complex, and the building leased to Firoozgar Hospital. “Relying on a few fixed sources is a risk for the association,” he noted.
On Qasr-e Firouzeh Martyrs’ Garden, Namiranian said the association has been unable to generate significant income due to legal and operational constraints. “We’ve worked hard to gain stewardship of these endowed lands, which requires funding. One reason for selling Atlas Hotel was precisely to raise money—how else do we tell the community we need funds?”
He added that a company, mostly owned by Zoroastrians, had proposed installing solar panels in the garden, but regulations for high-quality agricultural land prevented the project. Despite efforts to obtain permits, the company ultimately withdrew.
Farshad Farahifard: Amordad Reports Have Caused Issues for Tehran Zoroastrian Association
The Qasr-e Firouzeh land issue highlighted concerns about Amordad weekly’s coverage of association members. Farshad Farahifard, a member of the Tehran Zoroastrian Association, said, “Some Amordad reports have caused problems for the association.”
Afshin Namiranian confirmed, adding, “One report prevented us from changing the principal of a school for an entire year.”
Namiranian: Adorian Fire Temple Hall Construction Paused
Regarding the Adorian Fire Temple Hall, Namiranian explained, “Construction is on hold due to lack of funds and uncertainty over its final use.” The hall’s original sports design was changed by a second benefactor without prior consultation, and utility costs further complicate progress.
He added, “We are unsure whether to continue as a banquet hall for the community or as a sports facility, which could generate more revenue, similar to the Kharasheh Complex.” Farshad Pourrostami noted that even if funds were available, regulations might restrict their use solely for this project.
Afshin Namiranian: No Current Plans for Parsayi Guesthouse
When asked about the Parsayi Guesthouse and accommodations for visiting Zoroastrians in Tehran, Afshin Namiranian explained, “The association has no current plans for the guesthouse. Its endowment deed requires it to remain a guesthouse, and any benefactor rebuilding it must keep the name Parsayi Guesthouse.”
For temporary visitor housing, he added, “We have designated one and a half floors of the Parvaresh Kindergarten building to host guests, so they are not left on the streets.”
Farshad Farahifard noted that, under a verbal agreement with the Kharman Giv building tenant, Zoroastrian visitors may also stay there at a discounted rate. “They can choose this building, which now operates like a hotel-apartment,” he said.
Markar Campus in Yazd Owned by Tehran Zoroastrian Association
Namiranian confirmed, “Markar Campus in Yazd, one of the most important buildings for the Zoroastrian community, has a single-sheet deed registered to the Tehran Zoroastrian Association. Its executive board supports the main board, and we are fully satisfied with all executive boards, including Markar.”
