The chartaqi (a 4-arch structure) from the Sassanid period’s fire temple has been uncovered in Rashidabad village, Kuhdasht, following an emergency excavation.
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Lorestan Province announced the discovery of a 4-arch structure remaining from an ancient fire temple in Rashidabad village.
According to a report by ILNA and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s public relations office, Ata Hasanpour reported that the excavation was prompted by an unauthorized dig that occurred earlier this spring. In response, rescue operations and emergency exploration were carried out.
The Director General further noted that, with the help of intelligence and security forces, an unauthorized excavator was arrested. After several months of negotiations and securing funds, the excavation was carried out in the past 15 days.
He continued: “After 15 days of field exploration and the opening of the ancient trench by explorers under the supervision of Dr. Sajjad Alibeigi, a significant portion of this Sassanid fire temple was uncovered.”
Emphasizing the importance of this ancient discovery, Hasanpour noted: “The discovery of this fire temple has illuminated a crucial historical link of the Sassanid period in western Lorestan Province.”
He added: “During this rescue excavation, we uncovered the main building, the fire pit, architectural elements, and architectural details, such as decorative stucco.”
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Lorestan also reported: “Additionally, the prayer hall and the outer fencing of the fire temple were also found.”
Hasanpour expressed gratitude to the city prosecutor, security and intelligence personnel, and the cultural heritage protection unit of Lorestan. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the residents of Rashidabad village (Tangvaraz) with the exploration team.
