Atashgah, Isfahan, Iran 23.3.2013
- 11 years ago
Atashgah or the Fire Temple is a Sassanid-era archaeological complex located on the top of a hill about eight kilometers west of city center of Isfahan, Iran. The hill, about 210 meters high, was previously called Maras or Marabin after a village near there. It is believed to be an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple which is currently no longer in use. Looking from the top of the hill gives a magnificent view of Zayandeh Rud river and the city of Isfahan.
One part of the complex, on the southern flank of the hill, is the remains of Marabin citadel of about twenty buildings/rooms. Atashgah has characteristic of Zoroastrian fire-temples of the 3rd century.
There are the remains of a tower-like circular building on the top of the hill which is known as Burj-i Qurban, "Tower of Sacrifice,". It was reportedly twenty meters high in old times.
An Arab historian Masudi visited the site around 10th century and recorded local tradition that the site was converted from one of idol worship to one of fire by "King Yustasf (i.e. Vishtaspa, the patron of Zoroaster) when he adopted the religion of the Magi.
Atashgah is one of the most favorite visiting places for local as well as foreign tourists. Climbing up the hill to see the archeological remains is an uphill task for elderly people.
One part of the complex, on the southern flank of the hill, is the remains of Marabin citadel of about twenty buildings/rooms. Atashgah has characteristic of Zoroastrian fire-temples of the 3rd century.
There are the remains of a tower-like circular building on the top of the hill which is known as Burj-i Qurban, "Tower of Sacrifice,". It was reportedly twenty meters high in old times.
An Arab historian Masudi visited the site around 10th century and recorded local tradition that the site was converted from one of idol worship to one of fire by "King Yustasf (i.e. Vishtaspa, the patron of Zoroaster) when he adopted the religion of the Magi.
Atashgah is one of the most favorite visiting places for local as well as foreign tourists. Climbing up the hill to see the archeological remains is an uphill task for elderly people.