Who We Are

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) is the oldest established religious voluntary organisation in the UK of South Asian origin.   

Zoroastrians in the United Kingdom as it is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary year of the establishment of the national faith association the Religious Funds of the Zarathushtrians of Europe, the fore-runner of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe of today.  We go back in history to August 1861 when Seth Muncherji Hormasji Cama appealed to Dadabhai Naoroji and others to set up a religious fund to benefit Zoroastrians in Europe.

Although the first recorded arrival of a Zoroastrian in the UK was in 1724, the number of Zoroastrians in the UK was always extremely small.  It is estimated that in 1861 there were around 50 Zoroastrians and by the end of the Second World War, there were no more than 200. They were mainly traders spearheaded by the Cama, Tata and Wadia families and some other professionals.  It is only in the last fifty years or so that our members dramatically increased with the arrival of Zoroastrians from India and Pakistan followed by those from East Africa, Aden and other British Colonies and later in 1979 from Iran.  

Today, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) remains the oldest established religious voluntary organisation in the UK of South Asian origin.  Zoroastrians are recognised as one of the nine world faith communities in the UK, although we are the smallest. ZTFE being the premier Zoroastrian organisation represents the interest of the Zoroastrian community with the UK Government, interfaith, religious and educational institutions.  It continues to serve the community in Europe both at national and international levels from the secretariat at the magnificent Grade II* listed art-deco Zoroastrian Centre in the London Borough of Harrow. 

Our Association today is sound financially, materially and spiritually, thanks to the foresight and efforts of the Managing Committee and office bearers along with our Ervad Sahebs and our dedicated team of volunteers.  On your behalf, I extend my thanks to all of them, past and present, and also to our patrons, especially the Zartoshty Brothers for their generosity and support.​