The sky is the limit when it comes to imagination. In our minds we have travelled to faraway and unknown places, we have created fairy tales and even scary stories for ourselves or made the existing ones come true.
Wondering if, any of the good fantasies bear even a slightest chance to come true. All of us have wished to find a treasure chest at least once! But have we ever wondered about the countless times we have passed by a treasure without realizing it?
A treasure chest could be a metaphor of a city, a country or anywhere new and unknown, these chests could hold smaller treasure chests, but loaded with rich incorporeal treasures unknown to the ordinary mind.
What could be their treasure? The treasures could be their history, their legacy, their notions and way of life. These treasure chests could be twice as much fascinating, rich, rejoicing and valuable as it is in the fantasy world. For once a real treasure with immaterial value could be more pleasurable, for these are more tangible.
Iran is one of the richest treasure chests known in the world. The only price you should pay to open up such treasure chest is to schedule your travel to Iran, either independently or with the assistance of travel agencies, wait eagerly, read up about this amazing country, pack things up and head for a new adventure.
In this article we’ll have another virtual tour to one of the sacred places in Iran, Takht-e Soleyman. So you’ll be prepared for what’s about to come.
Takht-e Soleyman or “Azar Goshtasb” (literally “the Fire of Warrior Kings”) fire temple, with an area of about 12 acres, is an historical and archaeological site in West Azerbaijan province, Iran.
The hill which this site is located on, has been formed from the calcareous deposits with a calcium rich spring lake in the middle.
Discovering remnants of human presence, indicates that human inhabitancy in this area dates back to 1st millennium BC until 17th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed traces of a 5th century BC occupation during the Achaemenid period, as well as later Parthian settlements in the citadel. Coins belonging to the reign of Sassanid kings, and that of the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II have also been discovered here.
Takht-e Soleyman has been a home to sacred structures for about 1600 years. The Zoroastrian fire temple which was built during the Sassanid era and were partially rebuilt during the Ilkhanid period, is the witness to the claim that this place was the birth place of “Zoroaster”. This temple contained one of the “Three Great Fires” or “Royal Fires”, Sassanid rulers humbled themselves with these fires in order to ascend the throne. Each of these fires had their special names. The fire in Takht-e Soleyman fire temple was called “Azar Goshtasb” (Adur Wishnasp) and was dedicated to “Arteshtar” (Warrior class of Sasanid.).
Before the Islamic era, Takht-e Soleyman was considered one of the greatest and most important educational, religious, social and Persians’ worshiping centres. Bahram V (one of Sassanid rulers), founded this site as a city, and 70 years later, Kavadh I, expanded the city and its structures and it reached its maximum magnificence during the ruling of Khosrow I.
In 591, Khosrow-Parviz, following his triumph over “Bahram Choobin”, held his coronation at this site. He gained this victory with the assistance of a troop he gathered from Byzantine. But Takht-e Soleyman was ruined in 624, following Heraclius and Roman army invasion.
Aba-Khan, nephew of “Holagu Khan”, who had just turned to Islam, built a mosque on the ruins of Takht-e Soleyman, but later it was also destructed. Except some tiles that are now kept in “Reza Abbasi Museum”, nothing has left of this mosque.
Takht-e Soleyman was recognized as a National Monument in 1937 and in 2003 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This city has been called with various names in different languages such as Armenian, Syriac, Greek, Mongolian, Pahlavi and also with a different name in the famous book of Ferdowsi, “Shahnameh”.
This ancient city has been the residence for many people and dynasties, such as Medes, Achaemenids, Ashkanian, Sassanid and Mongols.
The region of Takht-e Soleyman was considered sacred, before the arrival of Sassanid, between 9th and 7th centuries BC and during the ruling of Manas in the region, people conducted worship.
In 36 BC and during the reign of Farhad IV (Ashkanian king), Marcus Antonius, one of the famous Roman commanders attacked Iran. He had left for Azerbaijan to take over Medes in Takht-e Soleyman. On their way to Takht-e Soleyman, Parthians attacked the Roman army and took many hostages. Medes joined the Parthians, and the Roman army had to retreat.
With the establishment of Sassanid in Iran in 11th century and the prevalence of Zoroastrianism, Takht-e Soleyman became glorious and prosperous. This fire temple belonged to the kings and warriors and was highly respected as a symbol of unity. The fire in this temple remained aflame for 7 centuries, believed to have existed since the beginning of time. As this fire temple gained more importance every day, Solomon’s Prison gradually lost its significance.
During the Samanid Empire, Takht-e Soleyman consisted of three main parts:
During the Sassanid era, “Shiz” (Takht-e Soleyman), gained its holiness due to the presence of this fire temple, and Sassanians also built a temple to the cult of Anahita, a goddess of water, at Takht-e Soleyman.
During the reign of Khosrow I, Azar Goshtasb reached its climax regarding its importance and significance. During the ruling of Khosrow Parviz (Khosrow II), and during a lengthy and tough battle which occurred between the Sassanid and the Byzantine army, Khosrow Parviz took over Syria and the Asia Minor and took the “Real Cross of Jerusalem” to Takht-e Soleyman.
To defend this religious site, the Sassanid enclosed the area with a peripheral wall 13m high with 38 towers and two northern and southern entrances. But it seemed as if this defensive wall wasn’t enough to withstand the Byzantine invasion. As a result, in 624 Sassanid led by Khosrow Parviz were defeated by the Byzantine Army and the city of Takht-e Soleyman was brought down and looted and the city was destroyed by the order of Heraclius.
After the demise of Sassanid and with the rise of Islam, Takht-e Soleyman lost its importance and notability and it was inhabited by peasants. It was only in 13th century that it regained some of its glory and importance.
Long after the Sassanid, Ilkhanid gained the control of the region. During the reign of Aba Khan, the 2nd Mongol ruler, a mosque (Palace?) was built on the foundations of the ancient sanctuary. Along with the new structures, old and ancient structures were rebuilt and reconstructed.
The city was again abandoned in the middle of 14th century, following the demise of Ilkhanid and Timurid invasion. The city remained haunted for many years, until the 19th century when it was rediscovered. In 1819, it was rediscovered by Sir Robert Ker Porter and in 1838, Sir Henry Rawlinson, gave precise descriptions of the site.
In 20th century archaeological excavations were conducted and in 2003 Takht-e Soleyman joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In term of terminology Takab means a narrow passage of water. Given that the only river that flows in this area, is the river “Saruq”, people call it Takab.
City of Takab consists of two main regions, which are “Takab” and “Takht-e Soleyman”. All of the six villages in this area, earn their livelihood by farming and animal husbandry. Of the most internationally famous handicrafts of this area, we can refer to “Carpets”, which is also known as “Iron made Carpets”.
Many people in Takab live by weaving carpets, and the most famous carpet, which is also considered a souvenir is the hand woven Afshar carpet
Other than the remains of human inhabitancy, Takht-e Soleyman consists of a periphery wall, Sassanid and Ilkhanid gates, Azar-Goshtasb fire temple, Anahita Temple, the Western Portico (Iwan) also known as “Iwan Khosrow”, the mysterious lake of Takht-e Soleyman, and Zendan-e Soleyman (Solomon’s Prison).
People’s religious beliefs indicates the importance of this city during the history. Takht-e Soleyman was also considered Zoroaster’s birthplace, and the presence of one of the Zoroastrian fire temples in this area, can be used as a hard evidence to that claim. Some people believe that this place was the home to “The Holy Chalice” of Jesus, one he last drank from, but no evidence has been found to confirm that.
According to some other beliefs this place was the residence of Solomon the king and it refers to the belief that extra-terrestrial powers, have built magnificent structures on the order of Solomon. Structures which are not within human power to be built. The mysterious lake was also attributed to him.
According to another tale, King Solomon used to imprison monsters inside a nearby 100 m deep crater which is called Zendan-e Soleyman (Solomon’s Prison).
Iwan Khosrow, one of the vestiges of, a once astounding and magnificent Portico, flaunts itself as the symbol of Takht-e Soleyman. On the north west of this site, a tall and glorious portico stands with red bricks and mortar, which is the only remnant of the Iwan Khosrow. This tall portico was built for the residence of Sassanid kings during their visit to Azar Goshtasb Fire Temple and was also used as an audience hall. Seemingly the construction of this Iwan dates back to the reign of Khosrow I.
This mystic lake is located in the middle of this platform shaped site.
Takht-e Soleyman Lake plays a major role in the prosperity of the region and is the biggest lime making (Artesian fountain) and Profluent Lake of this area. The water in this lake is calcium rich, saturated with minerals and it is fed by the springs hidden beneath the surface. The water of this lake is neither drinkable nor able to support life. Many stories have been circulated around this lake. One of these stories dates back to the Achaemenid era, when Cyrus the Great, following his victory over the king of Lydia, brought him here, and settled him in a place near today’s Hamadan in 546 BC. Cyrus the great took Croesus’s treasury and threw it into the lake as a vow, in Persian we call it “Nazr”.
During Ashkanian era, upon the invasion of Marcus Antonius, guards of the fire temple felt threatened so they threw all the treasured items into the lake, so that no one would have access to them.
During the Sassanid era and during the battle between Khosrow Parviz and Heraclius, Zoroastrian priest threw the treasures and valuable items into the lake. It was done for two main reasons, first to prevent accessibility to those treasures. Due to the fact that Zoroastrians believed that this lake belonged to the goddess of water, Anahita, they threw the valuable items in to the lake as a vow (Persian: Nazr).
The most controversial stories of all is the probability of the existence of Solomon’s ring at the bottom of the lake.
3 kilometres to the west of Takht-e Soleyman, a cone shaped mountain can be seen, which has been formed thousands of years ago as a result of volcanic activities. This volcanic crater, is also known as Solomon’s Prison. At the centre of this mountain there’s a hole, which is 100 metres deep, and has a 65 m diameter. This volcanic crater is thought to have been filled with water at some point during history. Around this crater, remains of temples have been discovered which date back to 1st millennium BC, belonging to Manas who had ruled in this area from 7th to 9th century BC.
After Azar Goshtasb gained importance the temples around Solomon’s Prison were utilized as guarding towers.
Anahita the goddess of water, abundance, prosperity, matrimony, love, motherhood, birth and victory is famous all throughout the world. Greeks call her Artemis or Anaetis which means the goddess of infallibility and purity. Roman and Byzantine historians have called her Diana. Many temples from various periods during history have been recognized as the temple of Anahita. Anywhere there is water, we feel the presence of Anahita.
This site is located:
This oval shaped platform, with an area of about 28000 m2, is 2450 m above sea level and 20 m above the surrounding lands. Belgheys Mountains and Solomon’s Prison, surround Takht-e Soleyman and Chal-Tappeh mountains.
The best time to travel to Takht-e Soleyman is from April until July, as it has a moderate weather during this time of year. But the view of the lake will mesmerize you anytime throughout the year. During summer and springs it looks like a calm and cool pond and the greenery around it doubles its beauty. During autumn and winter, and especially in winter time, very mild steams rise from the water surface which creates a spectacular view.
Seeing this site, requires travelling to one of the cities in western Azerbaijan. Takab city is the nearest city to Takht-e Soleiman. These two places are 43 kilometres apart. You can either stay at one of the hotels in the city of Takab, rent a room from the locals of that area, or to put up tents and experience camping in the area around this ancient site. Given that the site of Takht-e Soleyman is far from the main cities of Azerbaijan, it’d be better to travel with our professional tours, which will also be giving you detailed historical information regarding this site and the surrounding areas. Iran Negin Travel team is one the best sources for finding best tours and offer best options available.
If you chose to make your arrangements and reservations after you arrive in Tehran, Iran Negin Travel, as an Iran tour operator, can providing you with useful information and plans best suited for your schedule, budget and your overall criteria. As we are based in Iran, we will also be of good help in finding reliable and good quality tours. Our website is accessible from anywhere in the world and will be giving you advices and recommendations via the Internet.
Takht-e Soleyman is one of the wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran. Iran Negin Travel, as an Iran tour operator, recommends you to visit Takht-e Soleyman. Thorugh our Iran tour packages you can visit every single important sights in Iran. Our Iran tour packages are made to plan your trip to Iran with unique services. We can make your trip to Iran a wonderful trip.
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