Parsi people

Freddie Mercury on stage wearing a yellow leather jacket and singing to the sky.

Freddie Mercury’s family faith: The ancient religion of Zoroastrianism

Religion

The rock legend Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, came from a Parsi family of Zoroastrian faith, one of the oldest examples of monotheism. Theirs is a story of persecution, migration, and spiritual fire.

Ancient Persian religion on the decline in Pakistan

The Parsi Community in Karachi, Pakistan

Conflict & Justice

US Lifts Sanctions for Sending Aid to Iran, Banks Reluctant to Transfer Funds

Conflict & Justice

Remembering India’s First Photojournalist Homai Vyarawalla

Arts, Culture & Media
The World

The New York Philharmonic conducts orchestral diplomacy in North Korea

Arts, Culture & Media

At a historic concert in February, the New York Philharmonic performed in Pyongyang, North Korea. In one particularly emotional moment, the orchestra played “Arirang,” the most popular and best-known folk song in the Koreas. Even after the orchestra left, audience members remained, misty eyed as they waved goodbye.