SAEDNEWS: Takht-e Soleyman is a unique archaeological site in a mountainous area of West Azarbaijan, Iran, with aspects that remain mysterious even after more than 3,000 years.
Nestled in the mountains of West Azarbaijan, Iran, Takht-e Soleyman (Throne of Solomon) is a breathtaking archaeological site whose history spans more than 3,000 years. Once a center of Zoroastrian worship during the Sassanid era, its ruins and sacred fire temple continue to captivate visitors, preserving the mysteries of ancient civilizations that intrigue both historians and travelers.
Takht-e Soleyman was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 for its outstanding cultural, historical, and architectural significance. The site preserves the remains of a Sassanid fire temple and fortified settlement, reflecting ancient Zoroastrian religious practices. Its UNESCO designation highlights the universal value of the site and underscores the importance of protecting this remarkable heritage for future generations.
Historical records suggest that Takht-e Soleyman was once considered the birthplace of Zoroaster. Serving as a major educational, social, and religious center in pre-Islamic Iran, it was destroyed during an attack by Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in 624 A.D.
The site houses several remarkable structures, including the Azargoshasp Temple and the Anahita Temple. The Azargoshasp Temple, dedicated to the worship of fire—a central element of Zoroastrianism—features a central courtyard surrounded by halls and rooms, with walls adorned with intricate carvings and mythological reliefs.
The Anahita Temple, built during the Parthian era and dedicated to the goddess of water and fertility, showcases a rectangular design with a central ceremonial hall. Its walls are decorated with stunning frescoes depicting scenes from Persian history and mythology.
Three kilometers west of the site stands a conical, hollow mountain, shaped by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Locals call it the Prison of Solomon, believing that King Solomon imprisoned rebellious monsters within its deep crater.
Built during the Sassanid era (224–651 AD), the cone-shaped hill was once a sacred site where Zoroastrian priests performed sacrifices and rituals. Over millennia, layers of mineral sediment from an ancient lake formed the hill, leaving a dramatic hole in its center. Today, it remains a captivating natural attraction for mountaineers.
Legend holds that a demon imprisoned within the hill released toxic gas, killing anyone who dared enter—a story that gives the site its ominous name, Demon Prison. A small stone structure with Sarooj mortar tops the hill, hiding the legendary black hole below.
About 20 kilometers from Takht-e Soleyman lies a remarkable lake with a floating island, a natural phenomenon that has fascinated both locals and tourists. Fed by springs and rich in minerals, the lake reaches depths of up to 112 meters. The floating island, made of dense vegetation and reeds, remains green year-round and drifts gently with the wind.
This natural marvel complements the nearby Sassanid-era archaeological site, adding a unique layer of cultural and historical intrigue. While folklore has woven dramatic legends around the lake—treasures, Solomon’s ring—the floating island is a real, scientifically observable phenomenon that continues to enchant visitors.
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