Tajikistan 2006

The Vancouver based Ancient Iranian Cultural and Religious Research and Development Center (AICRRDC) announces significant progress in its mission to help Tajikistan acquire its own Zoroastrian centers. An anonymous philanthropist is underwriting the cost of two such centers — one in Dushanbe and a second one near an ancient fire-temple in a historical town, notes their quarterly publication, Iran Zamin (February 2005). That the project is ambitious and pursued with dedication is implied in its statement, "We are also talking to the mayor of Pamir to build a third center in Pamir. We are also looking into the possibility of building a cultural center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.”

Their website www.ancientiran.com explains the thinking behind the support to Tajikistan:

"The Government and people of Tajikistan have been in the forefront and have led the world in recognizing the greatness and importance of the Ancient Iranian Culture and the teachings of its greatest son, Zarathushtra.

"Their efforts resulted in UNESCO dedicating the year 2003 for the celebration of 3000 years of Zarathushti culture and religion. In continuation of their cultural quest the government of Tajikistan has declared the year 2006 as the year for Revival of the Ancient Aryan Civilization and Culture.

"Iran Zamin, in appreciation of their dedication, is working since October 2003

To set up a fund and collect money from well-wishers for building a cultural center.

Build a center that would illustrate the wisdom of the greatest Aryan of all times, Zarathushtra.

The architecture of the building will depict the teachings of Zarathushtra by way of bas-relief.

The name of all well-wishers who contribute towards the building will be mentioned for posterity in the building.

"We have set up a fund called ‘Tajikistan 2006 Fund’ and are receiving contributions.

"We have received help from a renowned chartered architect Dadi Surti who has agreed to plan and oversee the building of the center. We have got a set of initial drawings of how the center could look. We are negotiating to acquire land for the building.”

A lot of Irani Zarathushtis from the US, Britain, Canada and Australia have risen to the call, with substantial donations as posted on the website. Among the largest donors from Canada are: Jehangir and Nariman Oshidari, 10,000 C$, Mehraban and Paridokht Zartoshy, 5,000 C$, Rostam and Mojgan Yeganegi, 1,500 US$, Khodarahm and Paridokht Aidun,1,000 C$; Parvizes Fandiar Jamshidi, 15,000 A$, from Australia.

Readers inspired to contribute to the project may send their cheques drawn in favor of "Iran Zamin Tajikistan 2006” to the AICRRDC at 703 Donegal Place, North Vancouver, BC Canada V7N 2X6 or contact them on e-mail at ancientiran @hotmail.com or ancientiran@yahoo. com