Persepolis: Ahura Mazda & Zoroastrianism

Walking in Persepolis (The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire)

Ahura Mazda is the Avestan name for the creator and sole God of Zoroastrianism, the old Iranian religion that spread across the Middle East, before ultimately being relegated to small minorities after the Muslim conquest of Iran. Ahura Mazda is described as the highest spirit of worship in Zoroastrianism, along with being the first and most frequently invoked spirit in the Yasna. The literal meaning of the word Ahura is "mighty" or "lord", and Mazda is "wisdom". So, before the occupation of Iran by the Arabs and the promotion of Islam, the Iranians worshiped the religion of Ahura Mazda, Zoroaster. Iranians have never been Muslim before, and even the religion of Islam began in the 7th century AD. That's about 1300-1900 years after the history of Iran and Zoroastrianism.

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At that time, Iranians believed in a belief that was prevalent in Zoroastrianism which was: "The way in the world is just one, and that way is truth". But what is the symbol of this religion? A symbol that can be found on the walls of Persepolis which is also the symbol of Achaemenid Empire?

The "Faravahar" is one of the best-known symbols of Iran. It symbolizes Zoroastrianism, the main religion of pre-Islamic Persia, and Iranian nationalism. The Faravahar is the most worn pendant among Iranians and has become a secular national symbol, rather than a religious symbol. It symbolizes good thoughts, good words and good deeds, which are the basic tenets and principles of Zoroastrianism.

You can see the "Faravahar" in my photo, which I love with every fiber of my being and every breath of my body. And I'm still trying to keep going that way that goes to the truth.

Also Mazda (car company) name comes from Ahura Mazda (God of Light), the god of harmony, intelligence and wisdom from the earliest civilization in West Asia. with the hope that it would brighten the image of these compact vehicles. And also the logo of Mazda comes from "Faravahar".