Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat, the First Religious Building of Iran

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat is a globally-renowned antiquate. It was registered in UNECO in 1979 as the first Iranian World Heritage Site.

To introduce this monument, we need to translate “Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat” at the first step. Ziggurat literally means peak or a highland. In the local dialect, Tchogha is referred to man-made mounds, and Zanbil means basket. In fact, this place used to be in the shape of an upside-down basket before excavations.

This building dates back to the Elamite era. The Elamite city of Dur Untash was constructed about 1250 BC, close to Susa. In the following, this ziggurat was founded as a worship place. So, we can say that Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat is the first religious temple of Iran.

This temple was constructed in the honor of Inshushinak, the protector god of Susa. It was founded by the order of Untash-Napirisha, the great king of Elam. Finally, this city, like the other Elamite cities, was ruined by the invasion of Assyrian army.

The Discovery of Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat by the Oil Company’s Prospectors

This ziggurat was buried until 1935. During an excavation, the staff of Iran-Anglo oil company noticed a brick inscription. Then a hill attracted their attention, which demonstrated the remnants of a buried structure. Finally, a French archeologist, Roman Ghirshman, achieved to discover Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat from 1951 to 1962.

The Architectural Features of Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat has a unique architecture having been inspired by Sumerian architecture. In fact, the temples were constructed in the shape of Ziggurat in Mesopotamia.

This complex includes three interconnected adobe ramparts. The main temple (ziggurat) is located at the center of the first rampart. Palaces and small temples lie in the second rampart. Underground tombs, royal palaces and refinery are located in the third rampart.

This ziggurat used to be a five-story structure. It is said that it was 53 meters high and had a stepped pyramidal shape in the past. Unfortunately, just two stories of this structure have survived. Nevertheless, it has still retained its beauty. In addition, there are three round platforms in the yard. It seems the platforms used to be dedicated to sacrifices or astronomy.

The Most Ancient Tiles of the World Applied in Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat

You can find the oldest tiles of the world in Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat. The interior texture of this complex is made from adobe and its façade is made from brick some of which are glazed.

This ziggurat is home to the inscriptions having been inscribed in Elamite cuneiform. In addition, natural tar, glass decorations and clay pipes have been employed in this building.

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat, Home to the Oldest refinery of the World

It seems that there used to be a refinery in this complex. Because there are some canals throughout this ziggurat that protects it from torrential rains. In addition, a part of required water is provided with Karkheh River. In this way, the stored water resulted from rain and Karkheh River is sedimented in pools. Finally, this water is refined by passing through clay water pipes.

The Gods of Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat is the worship place of many gods. Among them we can mention fire god, air god, Elam god, and oath god.

Visiting Tchogha Zanbil, Travelling to the City of Gods

Without any doubt, visiting the oldest temple makes a unique experience for you on your trip to Iran. It is noteworthy that there are some more UNESCCO-listed sites close to Tchogha Zanbil, each of which has left a long history behind and reveal the history of human civilization formation.

If you are interested in ancient history join us. 1001 Nights Tours has always tried to show you this mysterious part of Iran in the form of classic and combined tours. To know more about Iranian World Heritage Sites click here. You can also click here to know about our itineraries.
In respect with organizing thematic tours, don’t hesitate to contact us via email.