Hong Kong directory

The Directory of Hong Kong Zoroastrians 2002-2003 has a leaf of interesting statistics. The total population of 194 souls comprises 53 families and 30 single individuals. Among them there are 145 adults and 49 children under the age of 21. In both groups the females out-number the males. Unfortunately no age wise statistics are available.

The directory lists residence and office addresses, phones, fax and e-mail numbers of Zoroastrians and for their benefit the numbers of local arts and entertainment bodies, clubs, hospitals, police, government departments, et al.

A historical outline of the Incorporated Trustees of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macao traces the Zoroastrian connection with the colony where they are said to have been "deeply respected by both British and the Chinese as associates, and as rivals,” since the early years of the China trade.

"The beginnings of the present day trust started quite humbly in the year 1822, when a piece of land was purchased on the slopes of Guia Hill in Macao (which, until 1844, was administered from Goa) for the establishment of a Parsi cemetery there,” notes the essay. "The cemetery became operational in 1829. Canton (Guangzhou), however, was the hub of China trade in those days, with firms such as that of Cowasjee Pallanjee and Co. establishing ‘factories’ (which were warehouses/residences of ‘factors’ or agents) there as far back as 1794. The first Parsi association formed in this area was in Canton in 1834, and was known as the ‘China Canton Anjuman.’ Parsis had begun to settle in Macao in the 1820’s, and started to settle in Hong Kong in the 1840’s after the establishment of British administration, and in Shanghai in the 1850’s after it was opened up to foreigners. On September 19, 1845, the Zoroastrian community living in the area met in Canton and created a wider anjuman body, covering Hong Kong, Canton, and Macao, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining burial grounds, having places of association, and rendering financial assistance to the needy. Zoroastrian cemeteries were established in Hong Kong in 1845, in Whampoa (near Guangzhou) in 1847, and in Shanghai in 1854. A bungalow was built in Whampoa in 1860, and a house purchased in Macao in 1874. The house in Macao was sold in 1939.”

Though the community settlement rarely exceeded 200 Zoroastrians at any time, "in the first 25 years of Hong Kong’s history as many as a quarter of all foreign firms (there) belonged to Parsis,” states the write-up. "The latter day Parsis too, have not only made tremendous contributions to the growth of Hong Kong’s trade and commerce, but have also helped in the formation and development of financial, educational, medical, social, and sports organizations here.”