Zoroaster and the Poles: An Overview of Academic and Non-Academic Interest in Zoroastrianism in Poland

The article examines the evolving interest in Zoroastrianism in Poland, from early literary references and Romantic-era mythmaking to modern academic research and popular culture. It traces how Zoroastrian themes were shaped by European influences and Polish identity narratives, highlighting key figures such as Ignacy Pietraszewski and the development of Iranian studies. The paper also explores contemporary scholarly research on Zoroastrianism and its communities, and discusses the emergence of pseudoscientific discourse employing Zoroastrian motifs in Polish popular culture.