Understanding our status in the universe has been a significant subject of interest to philosophers of religion and art, in which works of art have provided invaluable information by way of symbolism and allegory. During the Seljuk era, innovation in pottery making, glazing techniques, colors, drawings, and decoration led to a ‘golden age’ of Iranian ceramics. As such, the human characteristics of Yasata, the highest ‘good power’ under Ahura Mazda, were represented in Seljuk pottery to amplify human values. In the following research, we investigate how humanism manifested itself in Seljuk pottery and the importance ceramic art played in conveying the Zoroastrian doctrines of humanitarianism.
In ancient Iran, Zoroastrianism was an influential religion. Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) replaced the worship of various gods of ancient pre-Zoroastrian religions with the worship of Ahura Mazda, promoting monotheism. He accepted some ancient principles and traditions, but rejected others. In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is a wise superpower and the symbol of goodness1. Moral teachings are based on good thoughts, words, and deeds, and Zoroaster grew this belief system to develop an ethical code, firmly underpinned by these three pillars. They would go on to influence the life of ancient Iranians for centuries. According to Zoroastrianism, humans are not born with good thoughts but can attain ‘Vohu Man’a through knowledge, study, practice, and effort. Thus, learning and practicing are the lifelong key to a ‘good mind’. In contrast, thinking about evil, or taking steps toward it, is considered actual evil2.
Therefore, the principles of Zoroastrianism encourage humans to fight evil thoughts. In the battle between good and evil, Zoroastrianism condemns physical combat and instead recommends ethical struggle3. According to Zarathustra’s, the best way to combat an evil spirit is ‘to think’ it into defeat, because when the mind is not full of good thoughts, it becomes prey to the devil or ‘Angra Mainyu’4.
Zoroastrianism encourages humans to respect virtues such as compassion, love of family, respect for community, respect for the environment; kindness to animals, and happiness. It warns humans against immoral and wicked behaviors such as anger, resentment, dishonesty, lying, and injustice5. Since Ahura Mazda gave humans the gift of free will at the time of creation,
