Cheshme Ali in Damghan and reasons for its sacredness

Due to the role of natural elements in human life, attention to these elements was common in many ancient cultures, including Iran. This consideration was so important that some cultures believed in the sacredness of these natural elements and held ceremonies for them. Water is one of these natural elements. Formation of cities and development of human civilization relies on it and wherever remained urban civilization from ancient times is encountered, footprint of spring and rivers can be found around them. This natural element is doubly important in the geographical area of Iran considering region’s warm and dry climate. These factors alongside the longtime water shortage problem in Iran are the underlying reason for many Iranians beliefs being about protecting water and preventing its contamination. Thus, in many parts of Iran, especially in the central plateau, sacred waters can be found. These waters include sacred springs, lakes and canals. Also waters with their origins and existence linked to holy people such as Prophets and Imams are considered as sacred waters. Cheshme Ali in Damghan, as the origin of the only permanent river of the city, is an instance of these sacred places that dates back to the pre-Islamic era. This place is sacred for inhabitants and people consider the root of the 1000 year old nearby tree as holy and sacred. According to evidence and documents in historical books, excavations and observations of the author, the reason for the sacredness of this place is the sacred water originating from the mountain. Perhaps this place was a Mitra temple for worshiping Mitra and Nahid along with water: triad of water, tree, and mountain.