MIAN DO-AB

Takht-e Suleiman: The ancient, historical fort Takht-e Suleiman occupies an area of 124,000 square meters and is one of Iran's most impor1iant ancient monuments, comprising ruins dating back to the Sassanian, Ashkanian (Arsacid), and Moghuf periods.
Located in a distance of 45 km to the north east of Takab district at an altitude of 2,400 meters, it consists of a majestic building about 20 meters high, erected on top of a hill, plus a strong stone battlement. One enters the monument through a large gate above which traces of an inscription in Kuffic style can be seen, which belong to the Moghul period and is indicative of repairs of the place in that period.

The present monument is believed to have originally been the site of the famous Azargashasb Shiz) fire-altar and the birth place of Zoroaster, and its construction has been attributed to the Parthian al1d Sassanian sovereigns. In the central part of the hill there is a large pool built of stone for water storage purposes. During the 1970's a joint Irano-German excavation mission was involved in scientific investigations at the site and discovered a number of remains belonging to the Sassanian and Moghul period.
The most important part of the Takht-e Suleiman ruins is that which comprises the entrance gate, the entrance door to the Azargashasb fire-altar, the fortification towers, the walls of the complex, the Sassanian ivan (repaired during the reign of Moghuls), the central pool of the fire- temple, and a number of Islamic structures.
From the view point of construction and architecture, the monument is highly remarkable. Adjoining the site are the ruins of Takht-e Bulqais and Suleiman's dungeon (Dakhmeh-ye Zendan-e ~uleimanJ