August 22, 2006
Kurdistan: Zoroastrian Temple discovered in Duhok
The Kurish Globe
Kurdistan-Iraq, 22 August 2006, -- The temple is believed to be the most complete to have been unearthed in the region. It is also said that it was a Metherani temple.
Duhok's Director of Antiquities, Hasan Ahmed Qassim, has announced the discovery of a Zoroastrian temple near Jar Ston Cave, a famous ancient site. The temple is believed to be the most complete to have been unearthed in the region. It is also said that it was a Metherani temple.
"The temple was dedicated to the deity Anna Hita, indicated by the discovery of Anna Hita's holy star, and evidence of fires, as well as fireplaces and Zoroastrian holy sand stores have been found nearby," Qassim revealed.
He further described the temple as being made up of five sanctuaries, three of which were carved into rock, with the remaining two having been constructed from stone blocks.
This discovery is being hailed as the most significant archaeological development in the region in recent times.
The newly discovered Zoroastrian Temple near Jar Ston Cave near Duhok; The picture shows the inside of the cave.
Photo:Kurdishglobe
"This new discovery will alter the history of the region due to its unique architectural style, which differs considerably from Zoroastrian temples previously discovered," explained the Director of Antiquities.
"The temple's style which looks toward the four-directions is a unique style ever discovered in the area; thus it becomes an entry to studying Zarathustrian arts and archeology."
At present archaeology teams are continuing work at the site to find out more about the temple's history.
Kurdishglobe
