Taq Bostan: a gateway to the history and culture of Iran
Taq Bostan, a shining gem among Iran’s historical monuments, with its unique architecture and stunning decorations, fascinates every tourist. This complex, which is known as one of the most important tourist attractions in Iran, is located in the northwest of Kermanshah city and on the slopes of Biston Mountain.
History:
Sassanid Period: Bostan Arch was built during the Sassanid Period and during the reign of Khosrow II (590 to 628 AD). This collection includes two large arches, several petroglyphs and inscriptions.
Historical importance: Taq Bostan, as a precious document of the history and culture of ancient Iran, provides valuable information about the history, politics, art and architecture of the Sassanid period.
Architecture:
Two arches:
Great Arch: It is called the Great Arch or the Royal Arch and has a height of about 25 meters and a width of about 20 meters.
Small arch: It is called small arch or porch arch and has a height of about 10 meters and a width of about 6 meters.
Petroglyphs: Taq Bostan has more than 20 petroglyphs that deal with various topics such as war, hunting, religious ceremonies, images of Sassanid kings and nobles, goddesses and religious symbols.
Inscriptions: Taq Bostan has several inscriptions in Old Persian and Pahlavi that provide information about the construction date, architects, purposes of the building, and historical events of the Sassanid period.
Decorations:
Reliefs: Bostan Arch has very beautiful reliefs that are in the Sassanid style. These reliefs show detailed details of clothing, weapons, war equipment, customs and daily life of the Sasanian period.
Inscriptions: Taq Bostan’s inscriptions, in addition to providing historical information, are also very valuable in terms of calligraphy and the art of inscriptions.
Tourist Attractions:
Big Arch: The most important part of the Bostan Arch complex. In this arch, the relief of Khosrow II’s coronation, his victory over Bahram Chubin, musicians, horsemen and religious authorities are depicted.
Small arch: In this arch, the relief of Khosrow II’s hunting, the royal party and images of goddesses are depicted.
Petroglyphs: Anahita petroglyph, boar hunting petroglyph, music petroglyph and royal caravan petroglyph are among the most famous petroglyphs of Taq Bostan.
Inscriptions: Khosrow II’s inscription, Shapur III’s inscription and Mehr Narsi’s inscription are among the most famous inscriptions of Taq Bostan.
