A comparative study of the architectural features of shrines from the Achaemenid era to the Sassanid era: A case study of Dahaneh-e Gholaman and Kooh-e-Khajeh in Sistan region

Worshipping different deities was a very common practice among the ancient Iranians. The deities of water and fire often received more attention and respect from worshippers because of being deemed more divine. The ancient Iranians initially worshipped and prayed to their gods in open spaces, on natural heights and near rivers. Later, shrines specifically devoted to these deities, such as altars and fire temples, were built all over Iran based on the worship style of these ancient people. Despite having a rich history in the east of Iran, these shrines have received little scholarly attention and are at the risk of destruction because of exposure to the elements and prolonged inattention. Two shrines located in Sistan in the eastern section of Iran were studied in this research. These shrines, one located inside building no. 3 in Dahaneh-e Gholaman and the other on Kooh-e-Khajeh, are considered unique and highly significant. This study compares the architecture of these shrines which belong to the Achaemenid and Parthian-Sassanid periods with the aim of specifying the differences and similarities between the two. The methodology of this research is interpretive-historical with a descriptive approach. The findings point to a number of similar architectural features such as the introvert design, compatibility with the region’s climate, and the presence of the fire and water elements inside and outside the structures. The differences include the position of the central courtyard, the type of roof, the presence of platforms or lack thereof and the structure being singular or belonging to a set.