Editorial Viewpoint
A coming of age
The hosting of the next World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai in 2010 is an indication that the Zoroastrian diaspora in the Middle East has arrived.
While many Zoroastrians flocked to the area especially after the Iranian revolution in 1979, there was always a degree of uncertainty as to their status.
Foreigners were not allowed to own property, some states forbade public worship of any faith besides Islam, overseas residents could be turned out on a whim, job security was in question and so on.
Still Zoroastrians, being the adventurers they are, went forth in large numbers in search of greener pastures. With the favorite haunts of Canada, the US, UK and Australia closing their doors to most immigrants, especially Indians, the Middle East loomed larger than ever before.
First the laborers from Kerala went. Then the white collar workers followed. There was a time when nearly every Parsi family had some friend or relative in the Middle East.
Once settled they eventually looked for residence in the West. It seemed a time would come when the Arabs would slowly ease out the migrants and follow a sons of the soil policy.
But gradually some of the Arab states began to view their resident soldiers of fortune as assets who had financial resources. They sought to hold on to their transient visitors. Non-citizens could now buy properties. Visas were extended, export businesses could be set up without Arab partners. Globalization in its true sense appeared to touch a corner of the world where old traditions stood firm.
Of all the Middle East sheikhdoms, Dubai was and is considered the most open and western although like the rest it is not a democracy. The present sheikh is considered an enlightened and forward-looking leader who has pushed his desert kingdom headlong into the 21st century.
Dubai has more than its share of skyscrapers and traffic jams. Its giant shopping malls are plush with goods from all over the world. Posh business areas vie with upscale residential complexes. Special export zones with government incentives flourish.
With the government's liberal outlook foreigners can view Dubai as a permanent home.
Whether white collar employees, professionals, or businesspeople, the Zoroastrians are placing their roots here. There will in all probability be a second generation of Indians growing up, studying and working in Dubai.
In the past, the Middle East Parsis kept a low profile, occasionally hosting jashans and New Year get-togethers. But they emerged in the global limelight with the Dubai chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce taking the lead in publishing the organization's journal Synergy.
Synergy was in a sense the first global acknowledgment of their presence. And now by bidding to hold the next Congress they have sent out a strong message to the rest of the diaspora: 'We have arrived.'
The newer Zoroastrian community, having built their assets from scratch have the will and the organizational abilities to host first rate congresses. The Houston Congress will remain the benchmark for all future community global meets. But there is no doubt that Dubai will try and match their efforts.
Though the feedback from the Eighth World Zoroastrian Congress in London this June is that a world body is still very much in the offing, the fact remains that there are basic differences that cannot be glossed over. Are we to have a truly global Zoroastrian body in which those who practice the faith whether in Brazil or Tajikistan or elsewhere will also be welcome or are we to settle with a minor variation of a WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis) type, racially bound body? And what weightage will be given to whom? Who will have the bigger say?
In addition to India, Iran, North America, England and Australia, the Middle East presence will also have to be taken into consideration. Do numbers
While many Zoroastrians flocked to the area especially after the Iranian revolution in 1979, there was always a degree of uncertainty as to their status.
Foreigners were not allowed to own property, some states forbade public worship of any faith besides Islam, overseas residents could be turned out on a whim, job security was in question and so on.
Still Zoroastrians, being the adventurers they are, went forth in large numbers in search of greener pastures. With the favorite haunts of Canada, the US, UK and Australia closing their doors to most immigrants, especially Indians, the Middle East loomed larger than ever before.
First the laborers from Kerala went. Then the white collar workers followed. There was a time when nearly every Parsi family had some friend or relative in the Middle East.
Once settled they eventually looked for residence in the West. It seemed a time would come when the Arabs would slowly ease out the migrants and follow a sons of the soil policy.
But gradually some of the Arab states began to view their resident soldiers of fortune as assets who had financial resources. They sought to hold on to their transient visitors. Non-citizens could now buy properties. Visas were extended, export businesses could be set up without Arab partners. Globalization in its true sense appeared to touch a corner of the world where old traditions stood firm.
Of all the Middle East sheikhdoms, Dubai was and is considered the most open and western although like the rest it is not a democracy. The present sheikh is considered an enlightened and forward-looking leader who has pushed his desert kingdom headlong into the 21st century.
Dubai has more than its share of skyscrapers and traffic jams. Its giant shopping malls are plush with goods from all over the world. Posh business areas vie with upscale residential complexes. Special export zones with government incentives flourish.
With the government's liberal outlook foreigners can view Dubai as a permanent home.
Whether white collar employees, professionals, or businesspeople, the Zoroastrians are placing their roots here. There will in all probability be a second generation of Indians growing up, studying and working in Dubai.
In the past, the Middle East Parsis kept a low profile, occasionally hosting jashans and New Year get-togethers. But they emerged in the global limelight with the Dubai chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce taking the lead in publishing the organization's journal Synergy.
Synergy was in a sense the first global acknowledgment of their presence. And now by bidding to hold the next Congress they have sent out a strong message to the rest of the diaspora: 'We have arrived.'
The newer Zoroastrian community, having built their assets from scratch have the will and the organizational abilities to host first rate congresses. The Houston Congress will remain the benchmark for all future community global meets. But there is no doubt that Dubai will try and match their efforts.
Though the feedback from the Eighth World Zoroastrian Congress in London this June is that a world body is still very much in the offing, the fact remains that there are basic differences that cannot be glossed over. Are we to have a truly global Zoroastrian body in which those who practice the faith whether in Brazil or Tajikistan or elsewhere will also be welcome or are we to settle with a minor variation of a WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis) type, racially bound body? And what weightage will be given to whom? Who will have the bigger say?
In addition to India, Iran, North America, England and Australia, the Middle East presence will also have to be taken into consideration. Do numbers
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