From flames to fame: Azerbaijan moves to secure UNESCO status for Ateshgah fire temple

Azerbaijan is in the process of preparing documentation to nominate the Ateshgah Temple for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The State Tourism Agency has begun drafting the nomination documents, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Ateshgah Temple is already on UNESCO's temporary list, joining five other monuments from Azerbaijan that are part of the World Heritage List, along with ten in the temporary list.

Following a decree from the President of Azerbaijan, an open-air museum has been established around the Ateshgah complex, which has also been designated as a State Historical-Architectural Reserve. The museum attracts approximately 145,000 visitors each year. In 1998, the temple was initially submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a World Heritage Site.

Located on the Absheron Peninsula, about 30 km from Baku in the Surakhani district, Ateshgah is a fire temple that has been venerated by Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs at various times. The temple, constructed in the 17th to 18th centuries, was built on the site of "eternal" unquenchable flames from natural gas seeps, which is why it is called "Ateshgah," meaning "Place of Fire."

The architectural complex is hexagonal in shape, featuring a crenellated outer wall and an entrance portal, with the four-cornered main altar temple rising in the centre of the courtyard. This site was a significant pilgrimage destination for fire worshippers.

The construction of the temple complex dates back to 1713, although the temple itself likely has much older origins and has preserved its original design. The fire altar reflects ancient altar-building traditions in Azerbaijan from the Midian era, characterized by its square plan, four corner pillars, a central dome, and openings on all sides.

The open-air museum has been officially recognized as a State Historical-Architectural Reserve by the President of Azerbaijan, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

By Tamilla Hasanova