New Zoroastrians

The Forewords of Great Thinkers and Scholars on the Book "Aiin-e-Awesta" – Persia: 7000 Years of Civilization « New Zoroastrians »

The book Ayin-e-Awesta (Persia: 7000 Years of Civilization), written by Siyavash Awesta (David Abbasi), the founder and leader of the New Zoroastrians of the World, has been published in multiple languages. It is widely regarded as the best guide for understanding the philosophy and thought of the New Zoroastrians.

The first edition of this book was initially published in 1983 as a series of articles and was later expanded in the globally distributed Nimrooz weekly newspaper in London, led by Parviz Esfahani. Over time, it was supplemented with additional articles and published in multiple editions. The book was released in Persian under the title Ayin-e-Awesta, in English as Persia: 7000 Years of Civilization, and in French as Perse: 7000 ans de civilisation.

Many prominent intellectuals have written extensively about this book. Among hundreds of commentaries, 19 forewords were included in its latest edition.

Notable Forewords

  1. Dr. Kourosh Aryamanesh, former Deputy Minister of National Education under the Shah, wrote in the Payam-e-Ma Azadgan newspaper and in the book’s introduction under the title: "Congratulations to Siyavash Awesta." He stated that by introducing 7000 years of history, Siyavash Awesta transformed Zoroastrianism into the Awesta philosophy, creating the New Zoroastrians and offering people the opportunity to embrace this dynamic ideology rooted in Iran.

  1. Dr. Khoshnam Avazeh, a renowned poet and writer, wrote under the title "Awesta and Poets," recognizing Siyavash Awesta as the pioneering leader of the New Zoroastrian religion.
  2. Dr. Shahrokh Ahkami, a physician based in New York and editor-in-chief of Mirath Iran magazine, wrote under the title "The Influence of Siyavash Awesta’s Thought Among Iranians," describing him as the initiator of a universal faith based on ancient Zoroastrian beliefs.
  3. Dr. Masoud Ansari, a writer, translator, and professor in Washington, known as Dr. Roshangar in the U.S., wrote an extensive introduction to Ayin-e-Awesta, calling Siyavash Awesta "a pioneer of intellectual renewal in the Islamic world." He described Awesta’s writings as "intellectual bombs that liberate scholars from fanaticism and guide them toward the philosophy and faith of Zoroaster."
  4. Dr. Nasser Enghetae, a writer and TV producer in Los Angeles, wrote a detailed article under the title "Ayin-e-Awesta by Siyavash Awesta."
  5. Fereydoun Tofighi, former director of Radio Darya under the Shah and TV producer in Los Angeles, wrote under the title "Ayin-e-Awesta: The Result of Years of Effort and Research," praising Awesta’s innovative work.
  6. Keyvan Dashti, a writer, researcher, and editor of Iraniyan magazine in Vancouver, Canada, contributed a compelling introduction highlighting Awesta’s innovations in Zoroastrian philosophy.
  7. Dr. Khoram Rashidi, a writer, artist, and director of Hezar o Yek Shab magazine in Paris, wrote "If Only a Tenth of Our People Worked Like Siyavash Awesta?" outlining Awesta’s intellectual contributions to the New Zoroastrian movement.
  8. David Ramzi, a poet, writer, and TV producer in Los Angeles, wrote under the title "A Short Note on the Creator of 'Ayin-e-Awesta,'" stating that this book provides a comprehensive explanation of modern Zoroastrianism.
  9. Masoud Sepand, a poet, writer, and director of Ba Hamestan TV in San Jose, California, wrote under the title "I Have Known Siyavash Awesta for Thousands of Years," emphasizing his global intellectual impact.
  10. Hooshang Seyhoon, architect, collaborator of Picasso, and founder of the University of Fine Arts in Tehran (now residing in Vancouver, Canada), contributed a detailed article titled "The Cultural and Civilizational Influence of Iran and the Modern, Astonishing Impact of Siyavash Awesta in Creating the New Zoroastrian Philosophy."
  11. Parviz Sayad, a renowned writer, filmmaker, and actor in Hollywood, wrote: "Siyavash Awesta’s Books Are Bestsellers."
  12. Dr. Masoud Mirshahi, a brilliant physician, university professor, and member of the Cancer and Incurable Diseases Research Academy in Paris, wrote under the title "Ayin-e-Awesta and the Standards of Freedom," paying tribute to this significant work.
  13. Professor Sayfoddin Nabavi, Iran’s first cardiac surgeon trained in Switzerland and an advisor to Ali Amini (former Prime Minister under the Shah), introduced the book with the title "Read 'Ayin-e-Awesta.'"
  14. Dr. Ezzatollah Homayounfar, a writer, diplomat, and advisor to the Shah’s Prime Minister, wrote: "Siyavash Awesta is One of the Most Prolific Thinkers," offering a detailed introduction to the philosophy of the New Zoroastrians.
  1. Alireza Meybodi, a poet and television producer based in Los Angeles, wrote a foreword titled "7000 Years of Love," dedicating two long poems inspired by the ideas of the creator of Ayin-e-Awesta and the leader of the New Zoroastrians of the world to Siyavash Awesta.
  2. Aman Manteghi, a poet, writer, and filmmaker based in Paris, described Ayin-e-Awesta as "an encyclopedia."
  3. General Hassan Moniei, former commander of the Gendarmerie under the Shah and advisor to Prince Reza Pahlavi, wrote a comprehensive article under the title "Ayin-e-Awesta: The Only Guide."
  4. Dr. Khoram Rashidi, writer, artist, and director of Hezar o Yek Shab magazine in Paris, wrote under the title "If Only One-Tenth of Our Nation Worked Like Siyavash Awesta?" elaborating on the intellectual contributions of the creator of Ayin-e-Awesta and the philosophy of the New Zoroastrians.

A Landmark Conference

The book was officially introduced during the World Conference on "Knowing Awesta" held in Amsterdam in 1996, attended by 200 Zoroastrian leaders from around the world, including delegates from Tajikistan, Iran, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Europe, and the United States.

Siyavash Awesta himself presented the book at this conference. Notably, Master Ali Akbar Jafari, a leader of the Zoroastrians in America, stood up to endorse and praise Siyavash Awesta’s modern philosophy and his revolutionary ideas on Zoroastrian thought.

New Zoroastrians

The New Zoroastrianism of today's world is composed of millions of enlightened people. The majority of the inhabitants of Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kurdistan, and other regions, who have followed the ideas of New Zoroastrianism presented by Siyavash Awesta for 45 years, openly declare that they are no longer Muslims and that they are now New Zoroastrians.

They claim that the secular philosophy of New Zoroastrianism is based on the writings and teachings of its founder – very simple, accessible, and understandable teachings for everyone.

This secular philosophy advocates good thought, good word, and good action, with the goal of destroying hell on Earth and building a paradise here and now, through humanism and love. It fights against racism, anti-Semitism, extremism, and hatred towards others.

Secularism, within the context of David Abbasi's thought, aims to guarantee freedom of conscience and to protect public institutions from religious influences. Secularism is a fundamental principle that ensures all beliefs are treated equally and that religion does not dictate public policies.

Spirituality: Unlike strict atheism, which may reject all forms of spirituality, David Abbasi incorporates a spiritual dimension into his secular vision. He believes that personal spirituality can coexist with secularism, enriching the individual without interfering with public affairs. This spirituality is not necessarily tied to an organized religion but can include personal practices such as meditation, reflection, and the search for meaning.

David Abbasi's approach is interesting and relevant, especially in a world that is increasingly polarized on matters of religion and secularism.

That is why even great figures from the academic and artistic world, including Professor Keyvan Mazda (Paris), Morgan Freeman, Freddie Mercury, Dr. Kourosh Ariamanesh, Alé Dalfak, Siyavash Bashiri, Alireza Pahlavi, Leila Pahlavi, Ahmad Rezaei, Mamad Ruhani, Aman Manteghi, Majidreza Rahnavard, Nika Shakarami, Mahsa Amini, Mohsen Shekari, Johnny Depp, Marshall Manesh, Reza Fazeli, Shahrukh Shahid, Akbar Golpa, Faramarz Aslani, Mrs. Homeyra, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and many others, have officially declared that they are no longer Muslims and that they have become New Zoroastrians.

Jean Pierre Allali 

Writer and Professor at a university in France, also Secretary General of LICRA and CRIF

 

Journal ETOILE Founder Director David Abbasi "Siyavash Awesta" since 1986 - Institut Awesta 66 av des CHAMPS ELYSEES 75008 Paris France - Awesta.fr  institut@awesta.net  Tel: 09 73 18 18 18