Avesta: The encyclopedia of Ancient Iran by Ahmad Noori (Farsi)

Zoroastrianism & Ancient Iranian Texts explores the foundational religious and philosophical texts of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest known religions originating in ancient Iran. Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), offers profound insights into the nature of good and evil, the divine order, and the role of humans in maintaining cosmic harmony. The key texts of Zoroastrianism, such as the Avesta, the Zand, and the Gathas, form the backbone of its spiritual and theological teachings, providing guidance on rituals, ethics, cosmology, and the afterlife. These ancient writings emphasize the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, and the battle between the divine forces of light and the dark, embodied in the figure of Angra Mainyu (Ahriman). Ancient Iranian texts offer a unique window into the religious, cultural, and philosophical landscape of pre-Islamic Iran. They reflect the ancient Iranian worldview, with an emphasis on duality, the importance of ritual purity, and the pursuit of truth. These texts also illuminate the early development of concepts that influenced later religious and philosophical traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They explore the relationship between humanity and the divine, the concept of free will, and the moral duties of individuals. Zoroastrian scriptures are not only key to understanding the ancient Iranian civilization but also serve as foundational documents for the study of Indo-Iranian religions, mysticism, and the evolution of religious thought across the ancient world.