Takht-e Rostam

In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Takht-e Rostam, exploring its many facets and delving into its importance and impact on different aspects of life. Along these lines, we will discover how Takht-e Rostam has been a fundamental piece in the history of humanity, influencing cultures, movements and crucial decisions. From its origins to its relevance today, we will dive into a detailed analysis of Takht-e Rostam, addressing its implications in the social, economic, political and cultural spheres. Get ready to embark on an exciting and enriching journey that will lead you to understand the true magnitude of Takht-e Rostam in today's world.

Takht-e Rostam
"Harmika", a building that once held relics of the Buddha
Coordinates36°14′44.56″N 68°1′19.68″E / 36.2457111°N 68.0221333°E / 36.2457111; 68.0221333
Takht-e Rostam is located in Afghanistan
Takht-e Rostam
Location of Takht-e Rostam in Afghanistan

Takht-e Rostam (Dari: تخت رستم) or Stupa of Takht-e Rostam[1] is a stupa Buddhist monastery complex 2 km south of the town of Haibak, Afghanistan.[2] Built in the 3rd-4th century AD while the area was part of the Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom the complex is carved entirely from the bedrock and "consists of five chambers, two of them sanctuaries. One of them has a domed ceiling with an elaborate lotus leaf decoration. On an adjacent hill is the stupa, surmounted by a harmika, with several more rough caves around the base. A hoard of Ghaznavid coins was found by chance in one of the caves."[3]

Cultural significance

Following the Muslim conquests of Afghanistan the original purpose of the monastery was lost. Instead the site was incorporated into Persian mythology in the story of Rostam and Sohrab which forms part of the 10th-century Persian epic Shahnameh by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. In the story it is said that Rostam supposedly traveled to the Kingdom of Samangan and stayed with the king at Takht-e Rostam.[1] In 2021, the Afghan government renovated the site and built a hall for tourists.[4]

  • Harmika in 1939
    Harmika in 1939
  • A new bridge added to the site.
    A new bridge added to the site.
  • The cave system inside Takht-e Rostam
    The cave system inside Takht-e Rostam

References

  1. ^ a b "Stupa of Takht-e Rostam". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  2. ^ L. Dupree (1987-12-15). "Aybak". Encyclopaedia Iranica. Ehsan Yarshater. Retrieved 2015-04-05.
  3. ^ Mapping Buddhist monasteries, http://monastic-asia.wikidot.com/takht-i-rustam
  4. ^ "Govt to Renovate Takht-e-Rustam in Samangan". TOLOnews. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
Afghanistan

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