The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
Abbreviation ZTFE
Formation 1861
Founders Muncherjee Hormusji Cama and Dadabhai Naoroji
Registration no. 277185
Headquarters 440 Alexandra Ave, London
Coordinates 51.5741° N, 0.3708° W
Region
Europe
Website ZTFE.com

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) is a religious, cultural and social organisation for Zoroastrians residing in the United Kingdom and Europe. It was founded on the 31st October 1861 [1] by Muncherjee Hormusji Cama and Dadabhai Naoroji [2] It is the oldest Asian religious voluntary organisation in Europe and the oldest non-Christian faith organisation in the United Kingdom preceding the foundation of the United Synagogue by eleven years.

At the time of its founding, it was reported that there were approximately 50 Zoroastrians present in England who were mainly students. Zoroastrians have however been present in the United Kingdom long before the foundation of the ZTFE; the first known Parsi arrival being Nowroji Rustom Maneck Sett in 1724.[3] Currently there are around 5,000 members of the ZTFE.

Zoroastrian building at Brookwood Cemetery

The secretariat and principal venue attached to the organisation is 'The Zoroastrian Centre' located in London. The center is located in the Grade II* listed Art Deco former ACE cinema.[4][5] Additionally the ZTFE also manage the "Parsee burial ground" established in 1862, at Brookwood Cemetery which is the only operating Zoroastrian burial ground in Europe.

Zoroastrian graves at Brookwood Cemetery

Notable visitors to 'The Zoroastrian Centre' in recent years include Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh,[6] Dr Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury,[7] Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.[8]

History

The first formal move to organize the growing Parsi community in the United Kingdom was from Muncherjee Cama who was joined by Dadabhai Naoroji in a circular letter to the fifty Parsis they knew to be in London in 1861.[9]

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.[10]

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.

Under its regulations four of the seven managing trustees were to be students, with other members representing the association at the University of Oxford , University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh.

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 ZTFE and MPs addressed the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on this issue. On the six occasions, Shah Naser al-Din Shah Qajar visited London; Parsi delegations from the ZTFE were present to advocate for their Iranian co-religionists suffering intense persecution under the Qajar dynasty.[11]

The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America

References

  1. ↑ Rose, Jenny. Zoroastrianism: A Guide for the Perplexed.
  2. ↑ Palsetia, Jesse S. The Parsis of India: Preservation of Identity in Bombay City.
  3. ↑ "Rustom Maneck of Surat (1635–1721 CE). Intercessor Extraordinaire". Heritage Institute.
  4. ↑ Historic England, "ACE Cinema (1079729)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 19 June 2017
  5. ↑ "In pictures: 20 years of saving London's buildings". BBC. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  6. ↑ 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. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ↑ "Archbishop makes first official visit to a Zoroastrian place of worship". Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  8. ↑ "ZTFE News 2009" (PDF).
  9. ↑ John R. Hinnells (28 April 2005). The Zoroastrian Diaspora: Religion and Migration. OUP Oxford. p. 388. ISBN 978-0-19-826759-1. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  10. ↑ Hinnells, John. The Zoroastrian Diaspora: Religion and Migration.
  11. ↑ Desh Pardesh: The South Asian Presence in Britain. ISBN 9781850650928.

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