The Modern History of Zoroastrianism
The Qajar Dynasty
1789 CE to 1925 CE
During the Qajar Dynasty, religious persecution of the Zoroastrians continued which led to another mass migration of Zoroastrians to India. These emigrants are known as the Irani people and are distinct from the Parsi people.
In 1884, under pressure from the British Empire, the jizya (the tax imposed on non-Muslims) was lifted by the Qajar government. This led to elimination of state-sponsored persecution of Zoroastrians as well, marking a new beginning for the remaining Zoroastrians.
The Pahlavi Dynasty
1925 CE to 1979 CE
The Pahlavi Family openly embraced Zoroastrianism and Iranian Zoroastrian roots, utilizing it as a national symbol of ancient Iran. Reza Shah Pahlavi even renamed the months according to the Zoroastrian Calendar. Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi also enacted social reforms to elevate the status of Zoroastrians as equals to Muslims.
The Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 resulted in the country becoming the Islamic Republic of Iran, where Zoroastrianism was a recognized religious minority. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran grants Zoroastrians one seat in the Iranian parliament.
