The Zoroastrian faith emerged in Iran thousands of years ago, and still hangs on despite the prejudice and suspicion that has attached to it since the arrival of Islam as the majority religion.

The community is constantly depleted by emigration – these days as often as not to the United States, although India has the largest population of Zoroastrians, often known as Parsis there.

These pictures show the Zoroastrians of Iran in the complex and colourful rituals that give meaning to life and death. 

For more on the Zoroastrians and their faith, see Zoroastrians Face Uncertain Future in Iran.