Arbab Rostam Guiv truly lived by the Gathas’ teaching that “Blessed is the one who strives for the happiness of others.” Guided by this belief, he devoted his life to improving the lives of others. The charitable foundations and enduring works he established across Iran remain lasting symbols of his compassion and generosity.
Born in 1888 (1267 SH) in Yazd to Bahman and Kharman, from a devout Zoroastrian family, Rostam began his education at Keykhosravi Elementary School under Master Khodabakhsh, later studying English at the Missionary School. In 1908 (1287 SH), he moved to Tehran and began his career in commerce, first with his brother Giuv Shahpour and later through the Yeganeghi Parsian Company. His integrity and hard work soon made the name Guiv a mark of trust among merchants.
In 1933 (1312 SH), he officially adopted “Guiv” as his family name and began his long service to the community, joining the 14th session of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman. From 1935 onward, he served as Vice President and later as President for nearly three decades.
Arbab Guiv also represented the Zoroastrian community in the National Consultative Assembly from the 14th to the 19th term, before stepping down due to old age. In recognition of his dedication and merit, on 3 Mehr 1342 (September 25, 1963), he became the first Zoroastrian appointed to the Iranian Senate.
In Tir 1319 (July 1940), following the passing of Arbab Keykhosrow Shahrokh, Arbab Rostam Guiv was unanimously elected President of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman in its 17th session. He held this role until the end of the 28th session—except for one term when he resigned after re-election—serving five years as Vice President and twenty-seven years as President.
At the start of his political career, World War II erupted. With composure, insight, and determination, Arbab Guiv guided the Zoroastrian community through those turbulent years.
For his service, he received the First-Class Medal of Physical Education in 1956 and the First-Class Medal of Honor from the Ministry of Culture in 1958. In 1966, he was appointed a member of the National Organization for the Protection of Ancient Monuments.
At a ceremony held by Fravahar Youth Organization to honor his lifelong efforts, Arbab Guiv expressed his gratitude, saying that whatever he achieved was thanks to Ahura Mazda’s blessing and the sincere cooperation of those who supported him.
Calm, dignified, and devoted, Arbab Rostam Guiv was known for his kindness, perseverance, and dedication to public welfare. In 1958 (1337 SH), he established the Rostam Guiv Charitable Foundation, through which he launched many projects benefiting the wider community.
Tehran:
- Established Giv Elementary School in Tehran.
- Built the Rostam Bagh cultural, social, and residential complex in Tehranpars — a 25,000-square-meter development featuring an Adrian Fire Temple, library, community halls, residential units for nearly 90 families, sports field, prayer space, and gathering hall.
- Founded Ostad Khodabakhsh Girls’ Elementary School and Ostad Pourdavoud Boys’ Elementary School in Tehran.
- Established three additional schools named 22 Bahman, Shariati, and Hur.
- Constructed a water reservoir to store water from the main Tehranpars qanat for Rostam Bagh residents during dry periods, and contributed to the Welfare Fund of the Tehranpars Mosque at Second Square.
- Donated a 15,000-square-meter land parcel to the Tehran Department of Education.
- Built a clinic in Sohanak and donated its land and building to the Ministry of Health in memory of his nephew, Mehraban Guiv.
- Developed public facilities in Kohan Village, Damavand, including a modern clinic, elementary school, public bath, and mosque, as well as constructing a motor road linking the village to the main Firouzkouh highway.
Yazd:
9. Built Morvarid Hall next to Keykhosravi High School in Yazd — a 400-seat venue fully furnished for cultural events.
10. Constructed a 4,000-cubic-meter water reservoir in the Dostouran neighborhood prior to the city’s water piping project, providing water to three residential districts.
11. Contributed funds to the water piping project in Nosratabad Village, Yazd.
12. Built a water reservoir and resting lodge (khileh) for pilgrims visiting Pir-e Sabz (Chak Chak).
13. Supported various educational and cultural institutions including Markar Schools, the Zoroastrian Youth Organization, the Physical Education Organization, sports centers, Keykhosravi High School, and Zoroastrian Anjomans.
Kerman:
14. Provided funding for the construction of Keykhosrow Shahrokh Girls’ High School and supported the Zoroastrian Anjoman, schools, and scholarships for Kermani students studying in Tehran.
Shiraz:
15. Supported the Zoroastrian Anjoman of Shiraz and contributed to the development of the Zoroastrian charitable garden in the city.
United States:
16. Established the Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e Mehr, a four-story Zoroastrian community center located 15 kilometers northwest of New York City.
He also founded the Rostam and Morvarid Guiv Dar-e Mehr in San Jose, California, and the Mehrbanoo Guiv Dar-e Mehr in Chicago in 1983 (1362 SH).
Canada:
17. Built the Mehraban Guiv Dar-e Mehr in Toronto, Canada, named in memory of his late nephew.
Charitable Contributions:
18. Donated generously to the Iranian Cancer Society and the Red Crescent Society to aid earthquake victims, and continuously supported the Zoroastrian Youth Organization of Tehran, the Zoroastrian Students’ Association, as well as the maintenance of Zoroastrian cemeteries in Qasre Firuzeh (Tehran), Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
Among Arbab Rostam Guiv’s significant achievements was the founding of the Givar Profile Factory in Tehranpars more than fifty years ago. Built over several hectares, the factory provided employment for over 300 people — many of them Zoroastrians — under the management of Engineer Amanat Yazdi. He also constructed more than eighty residential units for factory workers. The factory continues to operate today under state supervision.
Arbab Guiv’s residence in Tehran served as his private home until 1961 (1340 SH), and afterward, until his passing in Mehr 1359 (1980), as the office of the Guiv Foundation.
Dating back to the late Qajar era (around 1921/1300 SH), the building showcases traditional Persian architectural elements such as orsi windows and elegant stucco decorations. It was listed as a national heritage site in 1995 (no. 2415). Purchased in 1997 by the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), it was restored between 2002 and 2004 under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage Organization and now serves as the Research Institute of Culture and Art.
Arbab Rostam Guiv dedicated seven years as a member and twenty-five years as President of the Tehran Zoroastrian Anjoman, a charitable, social, and non-profit organization. In total, he served the Anjoman for thirty-two years, leaving behind a lasting legacy of goodwill and service. He represented the Zoroastrian community in six terms of the National Consultative Assembly and also served one term as a senator.
He skillfully managed the Anjoman and its affiliated charitable and social institutions, and today his name continues to be remembered with honor. Such enduring impact is the result of unwavering determination, persistent effort, and tireless dedication.
The esteemed Arbab Rostam Guiv, whose reputation extended throughout Iran, passed away on 15 Mehr 1359 (October 7, 1980) at the age of 92. He was truly a Soshyant of his time. May his soul rest in peace, and may his name remain a source of inspiration and respect.
