TEHRAN – The ancient city of Istakhr, which embraces many magnificent palaces, fortifications, and temples, was once a royal residence of the Sassanid kings of Persia and is located near Persepolis, southern Iran.

The political history of Istakhr stretches back to 224 CE when a Persian nobleman Ardashir dethroned Artabanus IV, king of the Parthian Empire, who was recognized as a lawful ruler in Persia.

The new ruler finally chose Istakhr as one of his residences. It allowed the new Sasanian dynasty to identify itself with a glorious past. The builders of Istakhr often reused architectural elements from the monuments of Persepolis. The Achaemenid royal tombs of Naqsh-e Rostam are not far from Istakhr too.

The city itself was not entirely new: human settlement had already begun in the fourth millennium BC. and the site was certainly occupied by the Bronze Age, by the Achaemenids, by the Seleucids (who used it as a mint city), and beyond by the Parthians.

Finally, Istakhr, which had strong walls, repulsed the first Arab attack in c. 644, but was captured and sacked in c. 650. Although the site was not abandoned, most people moved to Shiraz (which was founded in 684).

According to the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, geographer Istakhri wrote that in the 10th century, houses were built of clay, stone, or plaster depending on the wealth of their owners.

A drawing from the ruins of Istakhr in the 19th century

From the archaeological point of view, Istakhr proved to be a very valuable source of finds. Among the types of pottery excavated from the Islamic layer, fused pottery is most often found. These light green vases were not only of the highest quality but also showed a unique way of making the vases. The upper and lower halves, with their sculpted decorations, were always fused separately; the two halves, which often showed the same pattern, were then joined.

Also from the Islamic period, but less frequently, jugs with floral motifs in red, yellow, and black have been unearthed. Unfortunately, excavations at the site have returned only a few of the famous and very rare polished ceramic vessels with their metallic luster on a golden yellowish body. There is a lot of controversy over this pottery and whether it was made in Iran or imported from Mesopotamia.

Among other finds were clay figurines of animals. There were also stone and bronze objects, such as lamps, small vessels, and several utensils used in daily life. Also found were objects of iridescent glass and personal ornaments ranging from clay to gold.

In addition, clay animal figures were found. There were also stone and bronze objects, such as lamps, small containers, and various utensils of daily life. Iridescent glass objects and personal jewelry ranging from clay to gold have also been found.

Today Istakhr is nothing more than a plain full of shards, scattered architectural remains, and some ruins. The walled area measures 1400 x 650 meters and was surrounded by a moat connected to a seasonal river.

Under the Sasanians, Iranian art experienced a general renaissance. Architecture often took grandiose proportions, such as the palaces at Ctesiphon, Firouzabad, and Saravan.

The most distinctive and striking art of the Sassanids is figures carved on steep limestone cliffs, for example at Shapur (Bishapur), Naqsh-e Rostam, and Naqsh-e Rajab. Metalworking and gemstone engraving became highly advanced.

AM