Zoroastrians History and Culture Museum (Markar)
Markar complex is one of the most influential places in the contemporary history of Yazd and has played a significant role in Yazd people education. This historical complex is located near Markar Square and has hosted Markar Museum since 2011.
Markar Museum, which is also known as Zoroastrian History and Culture Museum, is an ideal place to learn about Zoroastrian history and rituals. This museum is about religious and traditional clothing, celebrations and ceremonies, the lifestyle of the old Zoroastrians, and also Pashootan Ji Dusabhai Markar’s life, with valuable works in the basement of the complex.
History of Markar Museum
In 1933, the construction of Markar orphanage started with the Borzo Sohrab Agha engineering and by the order of Markar. A year later, Markar traveled to Iran for the second time and the complex was opened. It consisted of two buildings, the front building included 18 rooms and a large hall for boys’ high school and primary school with a capacity of 800 students, and the other building was an orphanage with three bedrooms, 9 rooms and a basement. Contrary to popular belief, this complex was actually a dormitory and boarding school for needy students living on the outskirts of the city. Also, the facilities of the complex were not only reserved for Zoroastrians
On October 31, 1998, Markar historical complex was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran under registration number 2146. In Nowruz 2015, the first phase of the Markar Museum was opened under the supervision of Esfandiar Ekhtiyari. This museum, which is located in complex’s basement, today is one of the attractions of Yazd and hosts tourists throughout the year.
Where is Markar Museum?
Zoroastrian History and Culture Museum is located in Farshe Mashhad Alley, Markar Square. You can also access it through Milad Alley, Montazere Ghaem Boulevard.
Sights Near Markar Museum
Markar Museum is located near some other tourist attractions of Yazd and you can reach them by a little walking.
Distance from Markar Museum to Markar Square: 300 meters
Distance from Markar Museum to Yazd Fire Temple: 750 meters
Distance from Markar Museum to Ab Anbar Rostam Giv: 1 km
Distance from Markar Museum to Cambrian Museum: 750 meters
Distance from Markar Museum to Shesh Badgir Ab Anbar: 750 meters
Who Was Pashootan Ji Dusabhai Markar?
Pashootan Ji Dusabhai Markar was one of the good-minded Zoroastrians of India who took effective and valuable steps in the development of Iranian society, especially Zoroastrians’. He was born on November 9, 1871, in a Persian family in Mumbai. He received his primary education in Mumbai and since he was interested in Iran, he learned Persian language.
Architecture of Markar Museum
Markar Museum is designed to make the most of the sunlight and conserves a lot of energy. Makar complex used to supply its water needs from the Ab anbar, Gavro, Pakneh (a stairway to aqueduct) and the aqueduct, all of which can be visited. Also, the old bath and toilets in the Museum of Zoroastrian History and Culture will introduce visitors to the lifestyle of people 80 years ago.
Artefacts of Markar Museum
Upon entering the amazing complex’s basement, you will see artifacts with the following topics in various rooms:
- Markar Collection and the late Markar
- The history of Zoroastrian religion and a part of Zoroaster’s teachings
- Zoroastrian rituals and celebrations
- Religious and traditional clothing, fire temple, worship and mobeds
- Zoroastrian houses, the deceased
- Zoroastrian shrines
In the last section of the Zoroastrian History and Culture Museum, an old kitchen with related equipment is exposed. Each section of the museum is accompanied by Persian and English explanations. There are also guides in the museum to explain and introduce different parts to tourists. Playing a short film about Zoroastrian rituals, playing traditional songs in Dari language and presenting the Rastar mobile application are other facilities that have been planned for the visitors of Markar Museum.
