Persian Canadian Karateka at Pan Am games

http://link.sheidaei.com/jmkrw Martial artist and Pan Am competitor Sarmen Sinani takes CBC reporter to the mat.

Yazidis (Izadis) and their ties to Zoroastrianism

The ancient religion is rumoured to have been founded by an 11th century Ummayyad sheikh, and is derived from Zoroastrianism (an ancient Persian faith founded by a philosopher), Christianity and Islam. 

It is always nice to hear to be referred to Zoroaster as a philosopher.

"Raffael 071" by Raphael - The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

"Zartosht 30salegee" by Photo is extracted from "Persia by a Persian: being personal experiences, manners, customs, habits, religious and social life in Persia". Author: Isaac Adams. Published by: E. Stock, 1906. - NY Public Library. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Iraq crisis: who are the Yazidis and why is Isis hunting them? http://link.sheidaei.com/vuokt

Tirgan Festival - Toronto 2013

There is an advertisement in today's newspaper to remind you of one of the biggest Persian celebration in Toronto, Tirgan. It is a bi-annual festival in Toronto, Canada. Tirgan celebration is an old ritual among Zoroastrians in Iran and Persians. You can find more about Tirgan here (in English) and here (in Persian).

Quick history on Tirgan:

In Persia (Iran), each month consisted of 30 days and each had its own name, i.e. 30 different names. In the occasion that the name of the month and name of the day coincides, celebration in the name of that day / month would be held. Thus, there were 12 celebrations like that throughout the year. Tir is one of those days and the celebration of Tirgan is held on the 10th of Tir month every year.

Mark your calendars for July 18 to July 21 if you are in Toronto and visit Harbourfront Center to enjoy Persian style entertainment and learn more about one of the oldest cultures still surviving around the globe. You can find more about Tirgan Festival and lots of their free events at Tirgan.ca.