The aspects of national and ethnic identity in the western zoroastrian diaspora

Abstract

This article deals with the relations between the aspects of national and ethnic identity present in the community of the adherents of Zoroastrianism, in the context of diaspora. Among these aspects, it was approached the Iranian and Persian belonging, the Indian belonging, and those related to the West. The relations between religion, adherents and political structures, such as imperial domains in antiquity and nation states in modern and current times, will be explored. To carry out the research, it was analyzed materials collected from a fieldwork in England, historiographical materials, and records taken from entertainment social media (Instagram). As conclusive points, we observed a strong connection and greater evidence on the part of the Zoroastrian experience in the diaspora, with the Persian and Iranian belonging. This relationship is based on the search for a glorious past of the Persian Empire in antiquity and for an ethnic legitimacy as authentic and original people, making use of symbolic elements that make it possible to strengthen the ties between religion and Iranian culture, especially in the ancient period.