This text explores the consequences of the meeting in medieval Iran of two important religious communities - Zoroastrians and Muslims. It examines patterns of communal behaviour during the seventh to thirteenth centuries AD and suggest how both groups were radically transformed, ultimately reshaping the culture and society of the Middle East and central Asia. The spread of Islam, and the success of Muslim institutions, and the gradual decline of Zoroastrianism are viewed in the light of politics, religion and economics.

This fascinating volume consists of articles by world-renowned scholars of Zoroastrian, Iranian, Parsi, and Jewish studies. The topics covered range from the prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) and the ancient Indo-Iranians to the modern Zoroastrians and Jews of Iran and India. Insightful descriptions of divinities and demons, priests and laity will capture the attention of readers as will absorbing discussions of good and evil, rituals and documents, and of communities past and present.