Takht-e Soleiman

Takht-e Soleiman

The archaeological site of Takht-e Soleiman, in northwestern Iran, is situated in a valley in the middle of a region of volcanic mountains. The site includes the main Zoroastrian shrine, partially rebuilt during the Ilkhani period (13th century), and a temple dedicated to Anahita from the Sassanid period (6th and 7th centuries). The architecture of the Temple of Fire, as well as that of the meeting rooms of kings and other palaces, significantly influenced architectural development during the Islamic period, which took place after the dissolution of the Sassanid rule in the 7th century AD. C. Takht-e Soleiman is also associated with beliefs much older than Zoroastrianism, as well as with important biblical figures and legends.

The site consists of an oval platform that rises about 60m above the surrounding valley. It has a small limestone artesian well, which has formed a 120 m deep lake. From there, small streams carry water to the surrounding lands. The Sassanids occupied the site from the 5th century onwards, building the royal sanctuary there. The sanctuary was surrounded by a stone wall 13 meters high, 38 towers and two entrances to the north and south. The main building is the Zoroastrian Fire Temple or Azargoshnasb, which is located on the north shore of the lake. This brick-built temple has a square plan typical of Sassanid fire temples. This architectural criterion of the Sassanids became an exemplary model for the construction of other places of worship in the Islamic period. To the east of the temple, there is another square hall reserved for the “eternal fire.” To the east is the Anahita temple and the royal residences are located to the west of the temples.

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