Tajikistan 2006

Iran Zamin, the English/Farsi bilingual publication of The Ancient Iranian Cultural and Religious Research and Development Center, has launched the Tajikistan 2006 project. The idea of the Vancouver based organization is to establish a series of community centers in Tajik cities.

In his editorial, Fariborz Rahnamoon notes, "People in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other former Soviet states consider themselves as part of ancient Iran and are in search of their roots and want to return to it. They need a unifying organization: by building a cultural center like-minded people will be drawn towards it, find each other and organize themselves to work together towards their goal. A good example, of the difference between having and not having a center, can be seen by comparing North America with Europe. Thanks to the donation by Arbab Rostam Guiv, Zarathushtis in North America are organized and playing a leading role while in Europe other than London and Sweden people are at a loss.”

As part of these 3,000th millennium celebrations, launched by UNESCO at the request of Tajikistan, a message from Tajikistan’s president Emomali Rahmo­nov had stated, "Following the civilization of Zarathushtra, who has promulgated the common aim for all humanity, is of great importance in today’s turbulent world. It has preserved its importance for it culti­vates in the human heart seeds of goodness whereby our thoughts, words and deeds are covered with goodness.

"The freedom loving people of Tajikistan have turned to their origin and are aware of their prestigious national past. They are holding in esteem their ancient civilization and herit­age and reestablishing their love for it...

"To you preservers of this ancient culture and the best traditions of goodness I have my best wishes.”

Ever since the country’s independence from Soviet rule, its representatives have been seeking to return to their Iranian Zoroastrian roots. "Let’s give the Tajiks a chance,” writes Rahnamoon. "No contribution is too small. Even if 1,000 people send in an average of 100 dollars it will amount to a hundred thousand dollars... The project has no limit. We can move from city to city and country to country building as many centers as possible. It all depends on the support we receive from you all who love your ancient culture and religion. We have received a similar request from Uzbekistan and we can move to that country if we have your support.”

Assuring transparency of the accounts and audited state­ments, a flyer enclosed with the magazine (Vol 4, No 2, February 2004) states that all donors would be acknowledged on a permanent display at the constructed center. Those prepared to bear the cost of a center or part of it are welcome to name the whole or part as per their desire. Cheques favoring "Iran Zamin for Taji­kistan 2006 Fund,” may be sent to the Center at 703 Donegal Place, North Vancouver BC V7N 2X6, Canada (www.ancientiran. com).