Bisotun Complex
The Bisotun complex is a renowned historical site situated in the city of Bisotun, Kermanshah. It comprises several significant historical monuments, including the Bisotun bridge, Shah Abbasi caravanserai, Farhad Tarash, the prominent relief of Mehrdad II, and the statue of Hercules. One of the most remarkable works in the collection is the inscription and carved relief of Darius, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the existence of numerous caves in Bisotun Mountain indicates that humans inhabited this area during the Paleolithic era. The collection has 28 works recorded in national and international monuments, such as Shekarchian Cave, Mar Doder Cave, Sarab-e Biston, Mehrdad Ashkani Relief, Godarz Relief, Median Fortress, Farhad Tarash, Ilkhani Caravanserai, and Bisotun Bridge. These invaluable works serve as significant historical documents of Iranian history.
History
Throughout history, the Bisotun collection has been a source of interest for kings and rulers for several reasons. One of the reasons is its favorable weather and strategic geographical location, as Bisotun is situated near Mesopotamia. Additionally, Bisotun Plain is located near significant transportation routes, including the Silk Road. This explains why kings of different dynasties paid close attention to it. This historic and ancient area boasts works from various periods, ranging from pre-history to post-Islam.
The reason for its name
Bisotun means the place of the gods, and it comes from the word “Boghestan”. Over time, Bisotun was changed to “Behsotun” and later “Behsotun”; Until after Islam, it was called “Beheston” which means good pillar or better pillar. Even today it is called Bisotun.
Bisotun Mountain and its wonders
In 1949, American anthropologists explored the Shekarchian cave for two weeks, leading to the discovery of thousands of stone tools from the Middle Paleolithic period. During the exploration, the team found bones of animals such as horses, which were estimated to be around 40 to 70 thousand years old. They also discovered a part of a human forearm bone, which could be related to Neanderthal or early New Paleolithic man.
Bisotun inscription
The Bisotun inscription, the most important artistic and historical work of the Achaemenid period, is located on a mountain. This inscription is dedicated to the victory of Darius I of Achaemenid over Bardiya and is considered the oldest text in Iranian literature, making it one of the world’s most important historical documents. The Bisotun inscription is engraved in cuneiform in three languages: ancient Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian (Neo Babylonian). The text is placed in a way that relates to each person, with the ancient Persian text in five columns stating that Ahura Mazda is seen with a human face on top of the inscription. This text is accompanied by a shining crown on his head, indicating his divinity and greatness, while the Elamite text is written in eight two-part columns and the Akkadian text is written in one column. Additionally, there are 11 other small inscriptions on the rock that are related to Darius and his captives.
Bisotun Relief
The Bisotun bas-relief portrays the victory of Darius over Bardiya and the capture of the rebels. At the topmost part of the bas-relief, one can see the image of Ahura Mazda, a Zoroastrian deity, who is overlooking the scene. The captives are presenting the ring of power to Darius the Great, who is standing on the chest of Bardiya, lying beneath him on the ground. Bardiya’s one leg and two hands are sculpted upwards as a sign of begging.
Bisotun Palace
The ruined and unfinished Bisotun Palace is situated opposite the Bisotun Inscription and was owned by the Sassanid king, Khosrow II. The palace was never completed beyond its surrounding walls for unknown reasons and was later converted into a caravanserai. Unfortunately, the caravanserai was destroyed by an earthquake, and during the Qajar period, a village was constructed on the site.
Caravanserai of Shah Abbasi in Bisotun
This caravanserai was constructed in the Safavid era style. It is believed that the construction began under the orders of Shah Abbas I Safavid and was completed under Sheikh Ali Khan Zanganeh. The head inscription indicates that the caravanserai was finished during his orders. During the time of Naser al-Din Shah, it was restored and later used as a grain store in the Pahlavi period.
Sarab-e Bisotun
Sarab-e Bisotun is a natural spring that fills a small pond, which has been a key factor in attracting human settlements to this area since the Paleolithic period. Furthermore, caravans traveling from western Iran to Mesopotamia have historically stopped at Sarab-e Bisotun. The upside-down plane trees, breathtaking scenery, and historical landmarks surrounding the oasis have contributed to its reputation as one of the most stunning mirages in Iran.
