The return of Zoroastrian temples to Kurdistan

Kurdistan, a territory shared by several Middle Eastern countries (Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria), boasts a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. While the dominant beliefs today are Muslim, the region was once an active center of Zoroastrianism, the oldest known monotheistic religion, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (or Zoroaster) in Persia. Today, as Kurds increasingly redefine their historical and cultural identity, Zoroastrianism is returning to the forefront of discourse and action. Forgotten temples are being rediscovered, restored, or symbolically reinvigorated. This phenomenon calls into question the spiritual and political future of the region.

🗺️ Zoroastrian heritage in the heart of ancient Kurdistan

Zoroastrianism emerged between the 2nd and 1st millennia BC, likely in the eastern region of present-day Iran. However, its influence quickly spread westward, reaching the Kurdish mountains. Archaeological evidence and inscriptions suggest the faith was actively practiced in antiquity. The symbolism of sacred fire, the cult of truth, and the duality between Ahura Mazda (the god of Good) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit) strongly influenced local spirituality. Sites such as Takht-e Soleiman in Iran and the remains of Qasr-e Shirin still bear witness to this period, and certain Zagros mountains are mentioned in sacred narratives.

🧬 The link between the Kurds and Zoroastrianism

Some scholars, particularly Kurdish ones, claim that the ancestors of the Kurds were among the first followers of Zoroastrianism. While definitive historical evidence is lacking, numerous folkloric, mythological, and linguistic elements support this view. According to some accounts, Newroz (Kurdish New Year) is a direct descendant of Zoroastrianism. Fire worship, ritual dances around flames, and references to divine light are omnipresent in oral and festive traditions.

🏛️ Forgotten Zoroastrian temples in Kurdistan, rediscovered by the population

Since the early 2000s, Kurdish residents and researchers have been undertaking expeditions to discover ancient Zoroastrian places of worship. In the regions of Sanandaj (Iran), Amedi (Iraq), and even in northern Syria, ancient stone-carved structures, circular altars, and soot caves have been identified as fire temples. While these sites are not officially recognized, they are sometimes restored by volunteers or local associations. Some are used for symbolic or commemorative ceremonies.

🔮 A spirituality reinvested in a modern context

In a world where the quest for identity is becoming central for stateless peoples, the return to Zoroastrianism appears to some Kurds as a cultural and spiritual alternative to imposed Islam. Although a very small minority, this return is visible: cultural associations, Kurdish-language publications on Zarathustra, secular pilgrimages to ancient temples, and even attempts to revive a clergy. Some Kurdish figures even claim their Zoroastrianism as a political act of cultural sovereignty.

⚖️ Zoroastrianism in the face of religious and political authorities

This revival is not without tension. In Shiite Iran or predominantly Sunni Iraq, religious authorities view these movements with suspicion. Lacking official status, Zoroastrian groups cannot publicly organize their services. Yet, activists persist, particularly on social media, to promote their faith and rehabilitate their heritage.

📜 Between myth, reality and cultural resistance

Not all identified temples are necessarily Zoroastrian. Some archaeologists warn against militant overinterpretations. Nevertheless, the popular desire to revive these sacred sites goes beyond strict historicity. For many, these temples embody a resilient memory, a link between a glorious past and an uncertain future. They also symbolize a form of cultural liberation in a region marked by successive dominations.

🌄 A future for Zoroastrian temples?

It remains to be seen whether this rediscovery will lead to a religious renaissance, or whether it is simply a memorial phenomenon. In both cases, the return of Zoroastrian temples to Kurdistan illustrates a profound movement of identity reappropriation. It also questions the place of ancient religions in a Middle East dominated by modern orthodoxies. Kurdistan could become, like these temples, a bridge between ancient memories and contemporary aspirations.

📚 Sources

Mary Boyce, Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices , Routledge, 2001, Philip G. Kreyenbroek, Yezidism and Zoroastrianism , 1995, Interview with Kurdish activist S. Khosrawi, April 2024, Local observations, oral records collected by the Kurdish Cultural Institute (2022–2024), IRNA Historical Archives, Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.