Photo riporting: Commemoration of the followers of various religions

TEHRAN (Amordadnews): The Fourth Conference for Commemoration of Martyrs of Monotheism Religions was held on 22nd Esfand (12th March 2009), in the conference hall of the Centre for Development of Children and Adolescents’ Minds.
In this ceremony, which was attended by a large number of outstanding social features, the eminent rank of martyrs of all religions was commemorated.



The ceremony started by playing the national anthem.



A number of important political and social personalities from various religions were present in the ceremony.چ



Various programs were performed by the Nagila musical group, from the Jewish community.
“Dastan Gouya” (hands that talk) a deaf-and-dumb musical group, performed a program of music.



The members of this group had worn traditional costumes belonging to different areas of Iran, as a sign of unity and togetherness of various tribes of Iran.





Tooran Shahriyari, the Zoroastrian Poet, was the only Zoroastrian lecturer.  She recited a poem about the braveries of Iranian martyrs who gave their lives for their country.



Mehran Sepehri, Acting director of Tehran Zoroastrian Anjuman, participated in the ceremony, as the highest level executive member of the Anjuman.



Jamshid Darabian and Farhad Ruyintan, representing the Public Relations commission of the Tehran Anjuman, Shahram Jiveh, Executive Director of the Zoroastrian Global Chamber of Commerce, Aflatoon Ziafat, Director of the Abadian Foundation, were among the Zoroastrians who had participated.



Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Tehran Mayor, was the special guest and lecturer of the Conference.  He congratulated the audience on occasion of the forthcoming Nowrooz celebrations, and spoke about the high rank of the martyrs and stressed on the importance of safeguarding their names and memories.



A choir from the Armenian Priesthood Association performed a musical program.



The Mayor and other executive authorities were present all through the ceremony.
Presents were given to each of the religions who had participated, as a gesture of respect and appreciation.



Mobed Sohrab Hengami, the Treasurer of the Mobed Association, on behalf of the Zoroastrians, received the gift from Esfandiar Eftekhari, The Zoroastrian MP.



This ceremony was organized by the War Victims Foundation, and more than 500 from various religions had participated.

The program ended with a dinner reception .

photographer: Paranda Foroughi
Translation by Rowshan Lohrasbpour