Yazd Shah-i Vehram Izd Atashgah

Yazd Shah-i Vahram Yezd Fire Temple is an active Zoroastrian fire temple located in the city of Yazd, Iran. It was constructed in 1934 with financial support from the Parsi community and reflects Parsi architectural style.

^{Entrance to the Temple (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}

History

The sacred fire housed in this temple is a continuation of the Azar Farranbag Fire Temple, one of the three great fire temples of the Sasanian period. Throughout history, this sacred fire was first moved to the village of Akda, dependent on Erdekan, where it burned for approximately seven centuries. It was then transferred to the center of Erdekan in 1174 and finally relocated in 1940 to its current location at the Yazd Shah-i Vahram Temple.

^{The Sacred Fire, Continuously Fueled and Protected Behind Glass (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}

Architectural Features

The temple is built on an area of 6,881 square meters and is surrounded by high walls. There are three separate entrance doors on the south, north, and west sides of the building. The southern entrance is designated for tourists, while the northern entrance is reserved for worshiping Zoroastrians, ensuring that worshippers remain undisturbed by visitors. In front of the temple stands a large pool.

^{Portrait of a Zoroastrian on Display in the Museum Section (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}

Interior Space and Exhibited Elements

The temple consists of three halls, with the fire chamber located at the center. The fire chamber is separated by glass, and the Behram Fire is preserved within. The fire is maintained in a metal fire vessel approximately one and a half meters in height.

The temple also displays portraits of Parsi donors who supported the construction of the temple, figures of Zoroastrian deities, the Fravahar symbol, and numerous green-covered copies of the Hord Avesta (the Zoroastrian holy book). Donation boxes are also placed in a section of the temple for visitors to make offerings.

^{Folkloric Elements on Display in the Museum Section (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}

Function and Use

The fire occupies a central role in Zoroastrian rituals and is continuously tended. According to Zoroastrian belief, fire is sacred, must never be extinguished, and is expected to die out naturally. Only individuals who have undergone complete purification may participate in religious ceremonies held at the temple; other visitors may observe the rituals from behind iron railings.

^{Folkloric Elements on Display in the Museum Section (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}

Significance

The Yazd Shah-i Vahram Yezd Fire Temple holds a significant place in the religious life of Zoroastrians. It is one of the few active sacred Zoroastrian fire temples in the world and plays a vital role in preserving Zoroastrian culture and faith both within Iran and internationally. The museum section hosts various exhibitions on Zoroastrian folklore and provides an accessible environment for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Zoroastrian religion and culture.

^{Folkloric Elements on Display in the Museum Section (Photo: Duygu Şahinler)}