ZOROASTRISM AND ITS ELEMENTS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

Zoroastrianism is a religion that professes a monotheistic faith and originates from the Iranian people. It is founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zardõsht) during some time in the ancient Persian Empire of the Achaemenid era.

Although it is believed that all the peoples belonging to “great Iran” were of the Zoroastrian religion, the truth is that in its beginnings, depending on the area of the Achaemenid era, the god Ahura Mazda shared veneration with others of great importance in the Persian pantheon such as Mithra and Anahita, deities responsible respectively for alliance and protection, and for fertility and water.