Journal of Archaeological Studies

Evolution of Architectural Structure of Towers of Silence from Sasanid to Late Islamic Period

Seyed Mehdi Mousavinia

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 131-153

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.320017.142996

Abstract

Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran that could read and investigate in their context. One of these burial customs is burying ... Read More Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran that could read and investigate in their context. One of these burial customs is burying the body into the towers of silence. This ritual practice canonized in Zoroastrian religious texts such as Vidēvdāt and documented in historical sources and archaeological findings. Beside Central Asia one what comparable to the first generation of towers of silence this funeral practice reported from Sasanid to the Late Islamic period. Although all of these burial structures mentioned as the towers of silence (Dakhma), there are plenty of architectural structures, from the beginning to the Late Islamic period; from the platforms of xwaršēd nigerišn to roofed towers of silence; from rooms of ossuary to central well (sarāda) of towers of silence. This paper has tried to thanks to archaeological findings and historical sources recommend some relative dating on towers of silence. Besides, the formal evolution of these burial structures has investigated from the Sasanid to the Late Islamic period. Hence, there are some questions to answer. 1) How are the continuation and evolution of the architectural structure of towers of silence from the Sasanid to the Late Islamic period? 2) Which elements caused the evolution of the architectural structure of towers of silence? 3) Is it possible to find a relative dating about the date of construction of these burial structures based on the evolution of the architecture of towers of silence? For the answer to these questions, a descriptive-analytical method has used. Field and library studies and comparative studies are the most important methods of this illustration. This study will show towers of silence follow four different architecture methods. The quality of roof covering, the way of exposure, the divide of burial spaces, location of a central well, how to enter to xwaršēd nigerišn places, details of architectural structure and creation of some buildings related to burial are the most important towers of silence diversities factors. There is some reason for these diversities: 1) emigration of Zoroastrian communities to Yazd 2) cultural relation between Iran and India Zoroastrian communities, 3) Maneckji Limji Hataria activities in Iran

Analytical and Survey of Mythological animal images origin over the Sasanin Art period (With Emphasis on Rock Relief and filet and Seal )

nafiseh sedaghat; gholamali hatam; aliasghar mirfatah; reza shabanisamghabadi

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 165-186

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.258200.142572

Abstract

During the Sassanid period, countless artworks have been created by artists that include types of motifs The study of animal designs two forms 1- Real animals 2- Mythical and mixed ... Read More

Eco-political interactions between Nishapour and its hinterlands during Sassanian period

Meysam Labbaf-Khaniki

Volume 4, Issue 1 , July 2012, , Pages 175-202

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2012.35381

Abstract

In the face of strategic and geopolitical importance of Nishapur, this city was not much taken into consideration by the archeologists of the historic period. The analysis of the new ... Read More

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Keywords = Sasanian Period

Evolution of Architectural Structure of Towers of Silence from Sasanid to Late Islamic Period

Abstract

Analytical and Survey of Mythological animal images origin over the Sasanin Art period (With Emphasis on Rock Relief and filet and Seal )

Abstract

Eco-political interactions between Nishapour and its hinterlands during Sassanian period

Abstract