Adriyan Fire Temple

The Adriyan Fire Temple (Atashkadeh-ye Adorian), the only place of worship in Tehran that houses a Bahram (Verethragna) fire, is one of the most important religious and historical buildings in the capital. It stands on Jomhuri Street, on Mirza Kuchak Khan Street, on the northern side of the historic Firouz Bahram High School. This valuable building was constructed during the Qajar period with the participation of Iranian Zoroastrians and the Parsis of India, and its foundation stone was laid in 1293 (Solar Hijri). The fire temple was inaugurated in 1296 (Solar Hijri), coinciding with the Azargan festival, and since then its sacred fire has been kept burning continuously by the priests (mobeds). The monument was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1381 (Solar Hijri) under number 7442, and today, besides its religious role, it is one of Tehran's cultural and historical attractions. The word "Adriyan" means a fire place or a place where fire is kept, and it is rooted in the languages of ancient Iran.

The temple building stands on a plot of about 1,300 square meters. Its architecture, inspired by the Yazd Fire Temple, presents a striking example of late Qajar-era architecture. Its most distinctive architectural elements include the white facade, the oval pool in front of the building, stone columns with capitals carved with four bull heads, the Faravahar motif, Avestan inscriptions and carved stone decoration. At the center of the building is a square room where the sacred Bahram fire is kept in a copper vessel called an afrinagan, and only priests may enter this section. After a special ritual, this fire was brought to Tehran from the ancient Karian fire temple in Fars, and it has not been extinguished for more than a century. The interior of the complex also includes a prayer hall, a Yasht room for religious ceremonies, side buildings and a green courtyard with pine trees. The location of this place of worship next to the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Haim Synagogue is a valuable illustration of followers of different religions living side by side in the heart of Tehran.

The Adriyan Fire Temple is in central Tehran and is easy to reach via Jomhuri Street and Mirza Kuchak Khan Street. Public transport is the best option for visiting the complex: the Saadi and Ferdowsi metro stations are about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the fire temple, and the bus lines on Jomhuri Street also provide convenient access. Visiting the grounds is usually possible in coordination with the Zoroastrian Association, and entering the main part of the temple or photographing religious areas is subject to the complex's rules. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, in the early hours of the day, when Tehran's weather is milder and you can visit in more peace. Keeping quiet, respecting religious ceremonies, not entering restricted areas, and keeping the site orderly and clean are among the most important principles of responsible visiting at this sacred place.