Avesta Museum

Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions on earth, the name of which translates as “The Good Faith of reverence for the Wise.” Zoroastrianism developed on the territory of modern Iran, during the reign of the Sassanid dynasty. The basis of religion is dualistic monotheism, belief in a single prophet Zarathustra and God in Ahura Mazda. The main provisions of religion are set forth in the holy book of the Zoroastrians – the Avesta.

According to one of the legends, the texts of the Avesta were written on the territory of modern Khiva, that is why in Khiva, in the walls of Ichan Kala (the fortress wall of the inner city), in the building of the Matpanabai madrasah, it was decided to open an Avesta museum.

Matpanabay’s Madrasah was built in 1905 at the expense of the famous Khiva statesman, after whom it was named. The building is symmetrical in its architecture, and its distinctive feature is the missing room on the north-western part of the building. The main facade of the madrasah is decorated with a portal. In 2001, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan decided to open the Avesta Museum in the madrasah building.

The texts of the Avesta were written in the ancient Iranian language and applied in golden ink on the skins of oxen. Alexander the Great, who conquered Persia, began to conquer the city, destroying its religion. So, by his order, about 20 thousand skins with the texts of the Avesta were burned. After that, the followers of the religion began to reassemble the basics of the teachings of their religion into books. As a result, 21 books were written, which were translated into Middle Persian language. Only 5 books have survived to this day, and 16 of them are passed down from generation to generation orally.

Avesta is a monument of the ancient Iranian language and philosophy. The basis of the book is the eternal struggle of good with evil. In the books of the Avesta there are references to Khiva, which was called “Urva”. Fire, water, earth and air are revered and sacred in Zoroastrianism. The bodies of deceased people were considered to be desecrating shrines, for this reason they were buried in special dahmas, where their bodies were eaten by animals, and the bones were collected in special vessels – ossuaries. The roots of Zoroastrianism can be seen in all modern world religions. One of the holidays of the Zoroastrians, the day of the vernal equinox – Navruz, is still widely celebrated by the peoples of Central Asia.

The exposition of the Avesta Museum in Khiva presents architectural artifacts of the oldest of the religions, tells about the development of this religion, the culture of its followers, as well as about the Navruz holiday.

Today, followers of Zoroastrianism, which was supplanted by Islam, are preserved in Iran, India, Iranian Kurdistan and Tajikistan. Zoroastrianism or “Good Faith” is a religion officially recognized on the territory of Uzbekistan.