Post by Caliph on Jan 20, 2015 19:22:29 GMT
Historically, Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in Iran, particularly during the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sanid empires. This changed after the fall of the Sanid Empire by the Muslim Conquest of Iran, when Zoroastrianism was gradually replaced with Islam, specifically by forced conversions.
Today, religion in Iran is dominated by the Twelver Shia branch of Islam, which is the official state religion and to which about 90% to 95% of Iranians officially are. About 4% to 8% of Iranians are Sunni Muslims, mainly Kurds and Balochs. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim religious minorities, including Baha'is, Mandeans, Hindus, Yazidis, Yarsanism, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians.
Zoroastrians are the oldest religious community of the nation, with a long history continuing up to the present day.
Judaism also has a long history in Iran, dating back to the Achaemenid Conquest of Babylonia. Although many left in the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel and the 1979 Revolution, around 8,756 Jews remain in Iran, according to the latest census
Around 250,000 Christians reside in Iran.Most are of Armenian background, but there is a sizable minority of yrians as well.
Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Sunni Islam are officially recognized by the government, and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament.
Today, religion in Iran is dominated by the Twelver Shia branch of Islam, which is the official state religion and to which about 90% to 95% of Iranians officially are. About 4% to 8% of Iranians are Sunni Muslims, mainly Kurds and Balochs. The remaining 2% are non-Muslim religious minorities, including Baha'is, Mandeans, Hindus, Yazidis, Yarsanism, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians.
Zoroastrians are the oldest religious community of the nation, with a long history continuing up to the present day.
Judaism also has a long history in Iran, dating back to the Achaemenid Conquest of Babylonia. Although many left in the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel and the 1979 Revolution, around 8,756 Jews remain in Iran, according to the latest census
Around 250,000 Christians reside in Iran.Most are of Armenian background, but there is a sizable minority of yrians as well.
Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Sunni Islam are officially recognized by the government, and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament.
Happy Nowrooz
