Cultural Lineage

My Kurdish family, rooted in the Yarsan tradition (Ahl-e Haqq), named me Ali out of respect for its symbolic weight in Iranian culture—not as a political or sectarian figure, but as an emblem of justice and dignity. Yarsanism, a spiritual practice from Iran’s Kurdish regions, preserves ancient Iranian mythology through coded rituals and storytelling, often cloaked in Shi’a language for safety. Unrecognized in Iran, it required discretion to access education or state employment.

In Yarsan belief, Ali transcends his historical role as Islam’s fourth caliph, embodying mythological traits of cosmic strength and guardianship. These echo older Iranian heroes like Garshasp in the Iranian ancient mythology or Rustam from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Ali, in this context, is a vessel for pre-Islamic narratives, carrying ancient meanings forward.

Chosen Name

I chose Arashk Kian to reflect both legacy and purpose:

Arashk, evoking the founder of the Arsacid Empire, signifies restoration and initiation, aligning with my research on cognitive systems and cultural continuity.
Kian, tied to divine order and moral leadership in Iranian cosmology, honors ancestral wisdom.

Together, Arashk Kian marks a new intellectual path while staying rooted in heritage.