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Ateshgah: The Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Explore the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a UNESCO site near Baku, where Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Sikh traditions converge in a historic monument to fire worship.

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The Ateshgah, or "Fire Temple," is a historical religious site located in Surakhani, near Baku. With roots in ancient fire worship, the current structure dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, built upon an earlier Zoroastrian worship site. It served as a pilgrimage and philosophical center for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent engaged in trade along the Caspian region.

A brief summary to Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the temple's serene atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Yanar Dag, the "Burning Mountain," another nearby natural fire phenomenon.
  • Hire a local guide at the entrance for detailed explanations in English to enhance your understanding of the site's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Baku city center, take the Baku Metro to Koroglu Station. From there, hop on bus 184 to reach the Ateshgah Fire Temple. The bus ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. A single metro fare is 0.30 AZN, and the bus fare is also 0.30 AZN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Baku. A taxi ride from the city center to the Ateshgah Fire Temple typically takes around 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between 10-15 AZN for the ride.

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Discover more about Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple

The Ateshgah, whose name derives from the Persian word for "fire place", is a unique temple complex that stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's rich tapestry of beliefs and cultural exchange. The site's history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting it was a place of fire worship well before the construction of the current temple. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Indian traders and worshippers, including Zoroastrians, Sikhs, and Hindus, constructed the existing structure, drawn by the naturally occurring flames that once emanated from the earth. The temple resembles a small fortress, with a pentagonal complex enclosing a courtyard surrounded by cells. A central altar dominates the courtyard, where a flame is maintained, preserving the site's historical ambiance. The cells once housed monks and pilgrims who led ascetic lifestyles, and today, many of them host museum exhibits. These exhibits detail the history of fire worship, Zoroastrianism, and the cultural exchanges that occurred along the Silk Road. Visitors can also explore monk cells with inscriptions in Sanskrit and Gurmukhi, reflecting the temple's use by Hindu and Sikh communities. While the original natural gas vents that fueled the flames have long been depleted, a gas pipeline now ensures that the fire continues to burn, symbolizing the divine presence and the Zoroastrian reverence for fire as a sign of purity. The Ateshgah stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting tourists from around the globe who come to witness its historical significance and architectural beauty.

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