Takht-e Soleymān ( ‘Throne of Solomon’ ) is a group of Sasanian-era ruins around the water-filled caldera of an ancient volcano near the city of Tekab in northwestern Iran ,West Azerbaijan Province.
During the Sasanian times, it was one of the most important temple complexes of the Zoroastrian religion.
The location of the temple in an area of volcanic activity predisposed people to worship fire. The complex also included a temple to the goddess Anahita.
After the Arab conquest, the temple was renamed “Solomon’s Throne” (its current name). The beautiful legend that King and Prophet Solomon locked demons under the waters of a volcanic lake saved the pagan, according to Muslims, sanctuary from complete destruction. The Ilkhans built one of their country residences on this site. The site, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003.
Access : Coordinates: 36.603171, 47.235949 / This world heritage site is located in Iran, near the town of Takab, West Azerbaijan province.
Highlights :
- Legend has it that King Solomon used to imprison monsters 100m deep in the nearby Zendan-e Soleyman crater, “Solomon’s Prison”. Another crater inside the fortifications itself is filled with spring water; It is said that Solomon had a pond dug which still exists today.
Go next : Hajji Firuz Tepe ,an archaeological site located in West Azarbaijan Province in north-western Iran.