Heritage sites, Archaeological discoveries, History of Archaeology

Takht-e Soleyman

Location

Western Azerbaijan Province

Country

Iran

Year of Research

2003

Culture

The archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, in north-western Iran, is situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain area.
The location includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Ilkhanid (Mongol) period (13th century) as well as a temple of the Sasanian period (6th and 7th centuries) devoted to Anahita.
The site has vital symbolic significance.
The designs of the fire temple, the fort and the general layout have strongly influenced the development of Islamic architecture.Takht-e Soleyman is an outstanding ensemble of royal architecture, joining the principal architectural elements created by the Sasanians in a sweet composition inspired by their natural context.
The work of art and the architectural elements created by the Sasanians at Takht-e Soleyman have had strong influence not only in the development of religious architecture in the Islamic period, but also in other cultures.
The collection of Takht-e Soleyman is an exceptional testimony of the continuation of cult related to fire and water over a period of some two and half millennia.
The archaeological heritage of the site is further enriched by the Sasanian town, which is still to be excavated.
Takht-e Soleyman represents a marvelous example of Zoroastrian sanctuary, integrated with Sasanian palatial architecture within a composition, which can be seen as a example.
As the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary, Takht-e Soleyman is the foremost site associated with one of the early monotheistic religions of the world.
The site has many important symbolic relationships, being also a testimony of the union of the ancient beliefs, much earlier than the Zoroastrianism, as well as in its association with significant biblical figures and legends.