Zoroastrians in Iran - Safavid Dynasty

Safavid Dynasty

Shiite Safavid dynasty destroyed what was once a vibrant community of Zoroastrians, adherents of the pre-Islam religion of Iran. As per the official policy, Safavids wanted everyone to convert to their sect of Islam and killed hundreds of thousands of Sunnis, Zoroastrians, Jews, and other minorities when they refused to follow these orders.

Thousands of Jews left Iran for India, Syria and Turkey with only about 10% remaining. Majority of Zoroastrians also left for India though about 20% remained; most of which had to migrate in the late 19th century as Qajar dynasty imposed greater restrictions on them.

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