Governing Body

The Council

Scholars and elders dedicated to preserving Zoroastrian wisdom for all generations.

Guardians of the Flame

The AZIIE Council comprises scholars, spiritual leaders, and appointed members who have demonstrated mastery of Zoroastrian theology, ethics, and tradition.

Council members are not merely administrators—they are custodians of a living faith. Each brings decades of study, practice, and service to the deliberation of matters affecting the global Zoroastrian community.

The Council operates on principles of consensus and alignment with Asha. Decisions are not rushed; they emerge through careful contemplation and collective wisdom.

AZIIE Seal

"In wisdom, unity. In truth, authority."

Council Precept

Council Values

The principles that guide every deliberation and decision.

✦

Wisdom

Vohu Manah—the Good Mind. Every decision rooted in deep understanding and contemplation.

⚖

Justice

Khshathra Vairya—righteous rule. Fairness and equity in all matters of governance.

◈

Integrity

Asha Vahishta—truth and righteousness. Unwavering commitment to divine order.

☀

Enlightenment

Spreading the light of knowledge. Illuminating the path for seekers worldwide.

Council Structure

The Council of AZIIE is composed of members of the global Zoroastrian diaspora who hold themselves to the standard of Sovereign Scholastic Integrity and serve the tradition under the foundations set forth in the Sacred Foundation: Ahura Mazda, Zarathustra, and the legacy of Cyrus the Great.

Members named publicly below have consented to serve openly. The Council's internal deliberations — its specific positions, voting records, and decision-making processes — remain private to preserve the integrity of governance.

Why Deliberations Are Private

The Council deliberates on matters of profound spiritual significance. Privacy of deliberation ensures that members can speak with candor, that decisions emerge from genuine consensus rather than external pressure, and that the focus remains on truth rather than personality.

This follows ancient precedent. The councils of Magi operated with discretion, allowing wisdom to flow without interference. AZIIE honors this tradition while remaining accountable through our public Charter, published decrees, transparent recognition processes, and — where members elect to serve openly — through the named identities of those willing to stand publicly for the work.

The Council

Members Serving Openly

The twelve members named below have consented to serve publicly as members of the Council. They represent the global Zoroastrian diaspora — drawn from communities across Iran, the diaspora, and the wider Persian heritage — and uphold the standard of Sovereign Scholastic Integrity in their service to the tradition.

H

Hossein Rahimi

Council Member

M

Mohammad Jafari

Council Member

R

Reza Alavi

Council Member

S

Saman Khademi

Council Member

A

Armin Pourali

Council Member

E

Ehsan Tavakoli

Council Member

N

Negin Shahbazi

Council Member

M

Mahnaz Karimi

Council Member

S

Shirin Moradi

Council Member

R

Roya Ebrahimi

Council Member

D

Darya Niknam

Council Member

A

Aryan Salehi

Council Member

The Council speaks with one voice through documents issued under AZIIE's seal. Individual members do not issue rulings, recognitions, or decrees on their own authority. The named members serve openly as a matter of institutional transparency and personal commitment to the work — not as personal authorities over the tradition.

Application for Service

Individuals of exceptional qualification who wish to serve the Zoroastrian community through Council membership may submit applications for review.

Considerations for Review

  • Demonstrated expertise in Zoroastrian theology and tradition
  • Active service to the Zoroastrian community
  • Commitment to the principles of Asha
  • Ability to contribute unique perspective or expertise
  • Alignment with AZIIE's mission and Charter

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. The sitting Council makes all determinations regarding membership.

Submit Application

Applications are reviewed by the Council. You will receive confirmation of receipt within 14 days.