Israel's attack on Iran sparks concern among Zoroastrians, Iranian Muslims in Mumbai

Indian Express

3 days ago

Following Israel's airstrikes on Tehran, members of Mumbai's Irani community—both Zoroastrians and Iranian Shia Muslims—have voiced concern over the escalating conflict in the region which is a distant homeland, a place of religious significance and familial ties.
On Friday morning, Israel struck major nuclear facilities in Iran, in what it said was 'pre-emptive military action' aimed at thwarting the nation's attempts to build nuclear weapons.
Firoza Mistree, author, curator and independent researcher on Zoroastrianism, said, 'We are not too many people in the world, we are only about 110,000-115,000 Zoroastrians living across the world. Iran is a very major centre with nearly 20,000 strong Zoroastrians living there, mainly in Tehran, Yazd and Kerman.'
Zoroastrians, also known as Parsis, migrated from Persia (modern-day Iran) to the Indian subcontinent to preserve their faith and tradition and to escape religious persecution after the Arab invasion. A map titled Parsi Migration Route at FD Alpaiwalla Museum in Mumbai highlights two major waves of migration: the first, from Khorasan (8th–10th centuries), who settled in Sanjan on the western coast; the second, from Yazd and Kerman in the 19th century, with many settling in Bombay.
Mistree added that although Zoroastrians in India migrated from Iran long ago, 'in our hearts, it is a very holy country because it is linked to our religion from where we originated from.'
'Iran has a deep and rich history that's closely tied to the Zoroastrian and Parsi communities,' she said. 'Our sacred sites are there, including Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we're concerned about the potential destruction. Iran is home to around 55 fully functional fire temples and six great shrines linked to the last Zoroastrian kings. These are not just historic places, but living symbols of our faith and heritage.
Our traditions, our people, our fire temples, they're all still in Iran. Naturally, we're worried,' she added, noting that community members have been reaching out to check on the safety of those still living there.
'So far, Zoroastrians are but we are very worried that this war will escalate beyond anyone's imagination, and it is not good for any country in the world and even the world as a whole,' she said.
Calling the incident very unfortunate, Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP)'s chairperson Viraf Mehta said, 'We don't yet know the full extent of the loss it could cause to Zoroastrians and their places of worship. But we are a very small community, and every Zoroastrian—no matter where they are in the world—matters to us.'
He further added that it is their responsibility to look out for one another. 'If any of them wish to come to Mumbai and seek asylum, while that decision lies with the Government of India, the Parsi panchayat would certainly support them. We always have, and always must, look out for one another, to ensure that every Zoroastrian has a roof over their head and food on their plate.'
Another Zoroastrian whose family migrated to India from Iran over a century ago, shared that he has a few friends there. 'They told me that they are alright as of now. The airport is shut. There is definitely a lot of stress but let's see what happens,' he said, adding, 'You cannot do anything. One can only pray.'
Although Zoroastrians form the majority, Mumbai's Irani community also includes a significant number of Shia Muslims from Iran, currently estimated at around 2,500. While the city has long-standing ties with Iran evident in its substantial Zoroastrian and Bahá'í populations, a fresh wave of migration occurred in the early 19th century, predominantly comprising Iranian Muslims. These migrants, mostly from the inland cities of Shiraz and Isfahan, arrived in search of better economic prospects amid a recession in central Iran.
Many of these early Shia Iranian traders settled in areas like Umerkhadi and Dongri, where their descendants still live today. Familial connections with Iran remain strong across generations.
'We heard that Shiraz was attacked—a city many of us have visited and where some have family through marriage,' said a prominent member of Mumbai's Iranian Muslim community. 'We watch the news with trepidation, fearing for the lives of our loved ones and for the fate of a city so rich in culture and beauty being ravaged because of this war.'