The function of fire and fire temple in the culture of ancient Iran

Abstract

The significance of fire and fire temple in Iranian religion and subsequently in Zoroastrianism has always been considered as one of the prominent and well-known aspect of this religion. This being the case, fire worshipping and its related rituals haven been firmly established as pillars of ancient Iranian culture and religion to the extent that external observers had no other choice than calling Iranians fire-worshipers. In this regard, this research is a descriptive-analytical study based on library research method that is relying on historical documents and texts as well as using anthropological data to explain the reason and contexts that have provided such a prominent position for fire and fire temples in the culture of ancient Iran. As such, firstly, the study is dealing with the religious function of fire and fire temples and also discusses the role of fire as a mediator between earthly humans and the heavenly gods. Furthermore, the study discusses the social function of fire temples, especially Bahrām’s fires (Ātaš Bahrāms), in terms of their role in shaping social identity and strengthening the social unity and solidarity to better explicate some of the historical events in ancient Iran and Islamic times.

Keywords

• ātaš bahrām
• fire temple
• zoroastrianism
• centralism
• identity