The symbols of environmental sustainability in Iranian religious beliefs by emphasizing on Zoroastrianism and Islam

Abstract

Environmental issues have always been one of the main axes ofsustainable development and the main challenges of the governments. The thing that has caused the most damage to nature is theover-exploitation of man from nature with modernist perspectives. It seems that human beings have a more peaceful, environmentallyfriendly attitude in the frameworks of traditional views. The two Zoroastrian and Islamic religions have had significant effects onIranian thought since the beginning of the formation of powerful ancient and historical powers in Iran. Religions have used symboliclanguages to express the deep concepts and the induction of internal effects. This study used a descriptive-historical method toidentify the symbols related to environmental in indigenous culture and dominant religious beliefs in Iran. The data was collected usingdocumentary research method. The research findings indicate that symbols can be categorized in six major groups including; symbolsof sky, wind, and celestial bodies: 1- moon, stars, sun and planets, 2- mountain, soil, rock, cave, desert, 3- water, river, fountains, 4-plants: flowers, trees, 5- animals, 6- fire and light. There is a close relationship between Zoroastrian and Islamic beliefs toward elementsof nature, in which respect for nature is considered as religious duties. Various symbols have emerged because of these beliefs inIranian culture that have the ability to capture cultural, literary and artistic realms, sustainable architecture and urbanization on a regional, national, and international scale in order to preserve and restore the environment.