Yazd
Location
About
An ancient desert city in central Iran, Yazd is the world's primary surviving center of Zoroastrian civilization. The sacred fire in the Atash Behram (Fire Temple) has allegedly burned continuously since 470 CE. The city's skyline is defined by its distinctive wind towers (badgirs) and the twin minarets of the Jameh Mosque. The Tower of Silence (Dakhma) on the hill above is where Zoroastrian sky burials were traditionally performed.
Significance
Yazd is the spiritual heartland of Zoroastrianism — the world's oldest living prophetic religion, which influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through its concepts of heaven and hell, resurrection, final judgment, the cosmic battle of good and evil, and the coming Savior. The sacred fire in the Fire Temple was brought to Yazd from the Sassanid capital Ctesiphon and has not been extinguished in over 1,500 years.
History & Historical Arc
Yazd has been inhabited since at least 3000 BCE. After the Arab conquest of Iran in 651 CE, many Zoroastrians retreated …
Archaeological Notes
The city's historic mudbrick architecture represents one of the most complete medieval urban environments in the world. …
Key Features & Structures
- Atash Bahram Fire Temple (sacred flame since 470 CE)
- Towers of Silence (Dakhma, sky burial)
Visitor Information
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open year-round. Fire Temple open to visitors (no entry to inner sanctum). Accessible by tra…
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Avesta, Yasna 30
- Shapur I inscription at Ka'ba-ye Zartosht