No texto a seguir desenvolvido para o nível B2, vamos aprender um pouco sobre uma religião muito pouco conhecida no ocidente o Zoroastrismo.
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Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has deep roots in Iran, dating back to the ancient Persian Empire. Founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the 6th century BCE, it was the predominant religion in the region for over a millennium.
Central to Zoroastrianism is the concept of a single god, Ahura Mazda, symbolizing truth and righteousness. Zoroaster’s teachings, encapsulated in the holy book, the Avesta, emphasize the eternal battle between the forces of good (led by Ahura Mazda) and evil (personified by Angra Mainyu or Ahriman). Followers are encouraged to partake in this battle through good thoughts, words, and deeds.
In ancient Persia, Zoroastrianism influenced societal norms and royal decrees, intertwining with the cultural and political fabric of the empire. The religion's concepts of heaven, hell, and a final judgment have influenced other major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
However, the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE led to the gradual decline of Zoroastrianism. Many Zoroastrians fled to India, where they are known as Parsis, while those who remained faced conversion, persecution, or marginalization. Despite this, Zoroastrianism has survived in Iran, albeit as a minority religion.
Some curiosities about the religion: Fire Temples: Zoroastrians worship in fire temples, where a sacred fire is kept burning at all times; They traditionally place their dead in open-topped structures called "Towers of Silence" for vultures to decompose the bodies, reflecting their belief in purity and their respect for the earth.
Today, Zoroastrians in Iran continue to practice their faith, preserving traditions such as the celebration of Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and the reverence of natural elements, especially fire, which is seen as a symbol of purity and divine wisdom. The community, though small, remains a testament to Iran's diverse religious history and cultural richness.
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