Takhteh Soleimun- Thursday, July 6

Takhteh Soleimun, or the seat of Solomon, is actually an old Zoroastrian fire temple. It's located about 112 kilometer (about 65 miles, I think) west of Zanjan. It is a beautiful site with layers and layers of history. Prior to being a Zoroastrian fire temple, it was a Mitra fire temple. Then the Mongols built their hunting chambers over and near it, but the remains still hold the original parts of the temple. A few weeks ago, a group of Zoroastrians came to light a fire and celebrate one of their more important days there. After visiting Takhteh Soleimun, Mom and I, with our Greek friends Aretha and Marios, went to Zendaneh Soleimun, or Solomon's prison, which is about three miles away. These two sites are each volcanic craters. Both had water in the craters. Zendaneh Soleimun does not have water anymore, as part of the crater fell off and the water has since dispersed. However, Takhteh Soleimun still has water in its very large crater. The color is torquise blue. Volcanic gas from Zendaneh Soleimun would feed the fire temple. It was brought over via ceramic pipes and this gas fed the eternal fire. We could even see the ancient pipeline and part of old ceramic pipes. How is that for engineering? The lake at the crater is 112 meters deep (about 3/4 mile deep, I think). Zendaneh Soleimun is high up on a mountain, hence the volcanic gases that fed the eternal fire. Both sits were given the name of Soleimun (Solomon) when the Arabs invaded. Knowing that the Arabs would not destroy anything with biblical connections, the people renamed the temple. We climbed the mountain up to the empty crater. It was very, very deep and there are many signs warning you of falling to your death. The entire landscape is green. So lovely. We had a good time with our Greek friends. Shared the fare with them and dropped them off at the train station as they wanted to buy their ticket for their departure the next day. They are heading off to some great adventure.

Photos from Top to Bottom: The torquise blue water and ruins of Takhteh Soleimun; Aretha, our Guide, Marios, and Mom with Soleimun's Prison in the background; Mom and Sheyda with Soleimun's Prison in the background; Climbing up Soleimun's Prison; a Village on the Road.