Pahlavi inscriptions at the ancient site of Haraskan decoded
The original identity and translation of the Pahlavi inscriptions at the ancient site of Haraskan in Isfahan Province have been unveiled, according to Mohammad Javad Abdoli, head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Aran and Bidgol.
Abdoli explained that the restoration and cleaning of historical plaster artifacts for display in Vigol’s newly established museum have uncovered the mystery of an ancient city that had been buried under sand for approximately 600 years, revealing its ancient name, as reported by chtn.ir.
He elaborated that, based on the Pahlavi inscription found on the plaster seats discovered in the fire temple at this site, which was studied and interpreted by a linguist from the University of Tehran, the city’s name during the Sassanid era was Faraskan, which later evolved into Haraskan during the early Islamic period.
Abdoli also mentioned that, due to concerns about a road passing through the boundary of the Vigol ancient site, the cultural heritage site, in collaboration with the province’s Cultural Heritage Organization, obtained permission from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts to conduct exploratory operations in the area adjacent to the road. This investigation aims to determine the presence or absence of artifacts along the road’s path, which will inform a final decision regarding the road’s construction once the results are announced.
Vigol is a 120-hectare area located east of Bidgol, known for housing a fire temple with a history spanning several millennia. Although the ancient fire temple was discovered recently, ongoing research and archaeological studies have revealed a rich tapestry of life that has existed for thousands of years in the Aran and Bidgol regions. This fire temple has functioned continuously from pre-Islamic times through various subsequent eras. Its historical significance dates back to the Sassanid Empire and extends into the early Islamic centuries, coinciding with the decline of the Seljuk period.
Architecturally, the fire temple features a cruciform design reminiscent of the “four-ivan” structures common in the Sassanid period, complete with four entrance doors. The central part of the building houses remnants of a fire pit, adorned with stucco decorations.
In summary, the Vigol fire temple is a remarkable example of ancient architecture and continuous cultural significance, capturing the essence of the region’s long history.