Fire Temples, Kermanshah
Anahita Temple, Kangavar
In Kangavar, on an elevated rocky platform, are the remnants of a majestic structure. The same belongs to the pre-Islamic era and was known as Anahita. The name of this temple is depicted from Anahita (Nahid) who was a deity and gaurd angel of water, abundance and blessing. Some believe that the structure dates back to the Parthian era, whilst upon this relic the evidences of this period and the early Islamic era can also be noted. According to scientific researches, the architectural characteristics of this temple have acquired inspiration from that of the Achaemenian age.
The main structure of the Anahita temple is a quadrilateral one. Its ramparts being 230 m. in length, and its thickness in most of the parts is 18 m. which reveals the archaic grandeur and magnificence of this structure. The stairway of the temple is bilateral and closely attached to the wall. The difference between the lowest and highest point of the structure is 30 m. and is in a form of steps, similar to the Achaemenian structures.
At the foot of the eastern wall of the structure is a cemetery which is related to the Parthian era. It is noted that the deceased have been buried in such a way to face the Anahita structure.
Chahar Qapoo Fire Temple, Qasr Shirin
The same is a historical monument of the Sassanid era in Qasr Shirin. It was constructed of stone and gypsum and was counted as one of the largest fire temples of the Sassanid period. The fire temple has a square shaped chamber in the center with a domed ceiling, which closely resembles the other fire temples of the period. The width of the main opening of this fire temple is over 16m.
Goor Dakhmeh Darband, Sonqor
This large rectangular shaped crypt is a historical remnant in the city of Sonqor, from the times of the Meads. The outstanding features of the same are its impression and guide lines of Ahoura Mazda, which is a sun with wings displayed on the facade of the crypt.
Parthian Temple, Bistoon
To the north of the Dariush engraving in Bistoon, are the remnants of a structure from the Parthian period. The same is a temple or a worshiping site built during the Parthian period, coinciding with the construction of another relic in Bistoon.
This Parthian temple which is situated opposite the slab of Parthian impressions comprises of two platforms. These platforms are connected to each other by 10 steps, which run irregularly right up to the Valgash inscription. On the upper platform is a sculptured brazier of stone. Evidences of earthenware of the Parthian era are noted in the surrounding skirts of the Bistoon Mountain.
Other Fire Temples, Kermanshah
The other fire temples of the province are as follows:
Kaikavoos rock tomb in north Sahneh, related to the Medes and the Medes platform in Bistoon related to the first millennium B.C.
Source: chnpress.com
Other links:
The province of Kermanshah
History and Culture, Kermanshah
Townships, Kermanshah (Part1)
Townships, Kermanshah (Part2)
Townships, Kermanshah (Part3)
Palaces and Edifices, Kermanshah
