Source: Religion Unplugged, December 27, 2023
Soon after Aziza Saidova and her husband performed their Islamic wedding ceremony, the pair walked three rounds around a small fire that was lit outside their home before entering it.
This step is something that Zororastrians do before entering homes as a way to ward off any evil. However, Aziza and her husband, who are both Muslim, made it a point to incorporate it into their ceremony. Both from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a city with a rich history along the Silk Road, they live among generations of Muslims who incorporate Zoroastrian traditions into their daily lives.
The religion has roots in Persia, and followers are spread out in modern day Iran, India, and Central Asia. It was widely practiced in Uzbekistan for years before Arab Muslims conquered the Silk Road in the seventh and eighth centuries. Today, over 90% of the country is Muslim, however Zoroastrianism still has a large influence in the region.
The full story also explores changing attitudes towards faith and tradition.
More from Uzbekistan: Did you know the country is experiencing an energy crisis? Rising fuel prices have renewed interest in an ancient strategy for staying warm (RFE/RL video).
Looks like Prayercast has a new video from Central Asia, this one focused on Uzbekistan’s neighbor Kyrgyzstan. Watch and pray.