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Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

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Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, (Incorporated)
AbbreviationZTFE
Formation1861
FoundersMuncherjee Hormusji Cama and Dadabhai Naoroji
Registration no.277185
Headquarters440 Alexandra Ave, London HA2 9TL
WebsiteZTFE.com

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) is a religious, cultural and social organisation for Zoroastrians in the United Kingdom and Europe. It was founded on the 31st Oct 1861 [1] by Muncherjee Hormusji Cama and Dadabhai Naoroji [2] and manages the "Parsee burial ground" established in 1862, at Brookwood Cemetery which is the only Zoroastrian burial ground in Europe. 'The Zoroastrian Centre' in London is a former cinema built in the art-deco style and a Grade II* listed building.[3] It is the oldest Asian religious voluntary organisation in Europe and the Oldest Zoroastrian Association outside of Asia. It is also though to be the oldest non-Christian faith organisation in the United Kingdom preceding the foundation of the United Synagogue by eleven years.

At the time of founding it was reported that there were approximately 50 Zoroastrians in England who were mainly students but Parsis have been a presence in the United Kingdom long before the foundation of the ZTFE; the first arrival being Nowroji Rustom Maneck Sett in 1724.[4] Currently there are around 5,000 Zoroastrian members of the ZTFE.

Zoroastrian building at Brookwood Cemetery.
Zoroastrian graves at Brookwood Cemetery

The centre has been visited by Prince Phillip,[5] Dr Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury,[6] Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex[7] as well as various other dignitaries. Representatives of the ZTFE have attended the royal wedding, Lambeth Palace and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

History

The first formal move to organize the Parsi community in the United Kingdom was from Mucherji H. Cama who was joined by Dadabhai Naoroji in a circular letter to the fifty Parsis they knew to be in London in 1861.

Initially founded as ‘Europena Zarthost Dharmanu Khatu’ which translates from Gujarati as ’The Religious Funds of the Zoroastrians in Europe’ in Kensington, London; the first meeting was attended by fifteen Parsis at Cama’s residence at 24 Devonshire Terrace.[8]

The “Religious Funds of the Zoroastrians of Europe” existed to purchase land for the burial of the dead, help stranded or destitute Zoroastrians; to purchase and produce books on Zoroastrianism; to fund research on Zoroastrianism; to establish a House of Prayer and general fund for miscellaneous expenses.

Whilst the association initially consisted of Parsis only they were active in campaigning for the rights of the persecuted Zoroastrians in Iran. Dadabhai Naoroji and Mancherjee Bhownagree, both presidents of the Zoroastrian Association addressed parliament on this issue. On the six occasions, Shah Naser al-Din Shah Qajar visited London; Parsi delegations were present to advocate for their Iranian co-religionists who suffered intense persecution under the Qajar dynasty.[9]

The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America

References

  1. ^ Rose, Jenny. Zoroastrianism: A Guide for the Perplexed. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  2. ^ Palsetia, Jesse S. The Parsis of India: Preservation of Identity in Bombay City. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  3. ^ "In pictures: 20 years of saving London's buildings". BBC. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  4. ^ "Rustom Maneck of Surat (1635–1721 CE). Intercessor Extraordinaire". Heritage Institute.
  5. ^ Proctor, Ian. 'Get West London'. Prince Philip 'delighted' to attend Harrow Zoroastrian association's 150th anniversary http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/prince-philip-delighted-attend-harrow-5982495. Retrieved 2 October 2016. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Archbishop makes first official visit to a Zoroastrian place of worship". Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  7. ^ "ZTFE News 2009" (PDF).
  8. ^ Hinnells, John. The Zoroastrian Diaspora: Religion and Migration. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  9. ^ Desh Pardesh: The South Asian Presence in Britain. ISBN 9781850650928. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)

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