Gueber

or Gheber, a term applied by the Mohammedan conquerors of Persia to the disciples of Zoroaster in that country. They call themselves ‘“‘ Behendies,” followers of the true faith, and are generally known by Europe ans as fire-worshipers. Zoroaster is believed to have flourished in the 6th century B. c. In the course of time the system became very corrupt, and King Ardeshir Bakekan (A. D. 226) reformed it, collected the sacred books, and caused them to be translated from the Zend language into the vernacular dialect of Persia, and built temples for the preservation of the sacred fire. The Guebers have the character of being industrious and virtuous in comparison with the other Persians, but they are ignorant and depre ed. At present they are numerous in.