Chahartaqi

One of the most important archaeological remains from the Sassanid period is the famous structures called Chahartaqi, which are related to religious beliefs and are considered part of religious architecture. The recognition of these buildings regarding the sacred fires erected in them is faced with ambiguities. Ilam Province is located in the western part of central Zagros, which has attracted the attention of archaeologists due to its proximity to Mesopotamia during the Sassanid period. Investigations carried out in various sites in this province indicate the existence of many fire temples and Chahartaqi structures, some of which have been introduced and some remain unknown. This research aims to introduce typologies of the fire temples and Chahartaqi buildings in Ilam Province to recognize the architectural style and pattern and their relationship with the sacred fires based on Zoroastrian religious texts. This research has used the documentary method with a descriptive-analytical approach. The results show that the Chahartaqi buildings in Ilam Province are divided into simple and compound Chahartaqi in terms of architectural pattern. Simple Chahartaqi consists of a square plan, four thick piers, four wide openings, and a domed roof, which, according to Zoroastrian religious books, belong to the Atesh Dadgah. Compound Chahartaqi consists of a square plan, a protected corridor for the fire, and corridors around the building that lead to the surrounding spaces, which were used for the residence of Mobeds and the maintenance of auxiliary equipment related to the fire temple