Zoroastrian Dakhmeh (Tower of Silence)

The Zoroastrian Dakhmeh, also known as the "Tower of Silence", is one of the sacred and historic sites of Iran's Zoroastrians. It lies near the city of Yazd, in Yazd Province. These dakhmehs were built in the mountain heights around Yazd so that the Zoroastrian funeral rite could be carried out in the traditional way, in keeping with the community's religious beliefs. The Zoroastrian Dakhmeh stands as a symbol of respect for nature and of the long-held beliefs of this religion, which Zoroastrian followers still preserve and care for today.

Dakhmehs are usually designed as large, circular stone towers in which the dead are exposed to the natural elements, without contact with soil or water, so that they are consumed by birds. This method of burial reflects the principle of purity in the Zoroastrian faith. The sites were also chosen to be far from settlements, on high ground with dry air and plenty of sunshine, so that decomposition would be faster and more hygienic. Cracks and openings in the walls create an airflow inside the dakhmeh, so the bodies decompose more quickly and no foul odor lingers in the air.

The Zoroastrian Dakhmeh of Yazd consists of two cylindrical towers, each designed for a specific purpose. The larger tower, called "Dakhmeh Dadi", was used for the bodies of men, and the smaller tower, called "Dakhmeh Manekji Hataria", was set aside for the bodies of women. Inside each tower is a circular ring on which the bodies were placed. In the past, the gentle slope of this ring meant that, once the bodies had decomposed, the bones were channeled into the central pit.

To visit the Zoroastrian Dakhmeh, visitors can head from the center of Yazd toward the surrounding heights. These routes are usually easy to reach with local guides or tourist tours. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for walking on the mountain paths. Visiting the Zoroastrian Dakhmeh is a valuable opportunity to learn about one of Iran's ancient and authentic traditions, and a spiritual and respectful experience in the heart of a historic landscape.