A New Interpretation of the Use of the Bandian Dargaz Complex Based on a Revision of the Function of the Architectural Space D: An Rxample of Family Fire Temples in the Sassanid Period

Sassanid dynasty mainly known as a religious government that tried to develop Zoroastrianism through Iran. Religious structures are among the most outlined archaeological evidence, generally known as “Chahar Taqi”. Despite of vast studies about Sassanid religious architecture, during recent half century, there are ambiguities about excavated Sassanid religious sites, including religious function, and relation to the three sacred fires. The site A of Bandian Dargaz, was excavated during late 20th century, is one of the most important Sassanid sites at northeastern Iran, for architectural spaces and modeling. It was suggested as a Bahram V’s sanctuary. Later, the suggestion changed to a lord house or a burial complex. The authors attempt to present better understanding of the architectural identity and function of site A, considering comparing the D architectural space of Bandian, known as fire temple, to similar architectures and adaption to Zoroastrian rites. The most significant question is the function of Architecture D of Bandian Site A, in relation to the triad sacred fires, and any relevant application. Consequently, what was the function of Bandian Site A, considering the function of Architecture D? Methodologically, present paper follows descriptive-analytical method, while it has a fundamental nature. The data collected in a bibliographic and field work, which compare the sites in filed, use disseminated reports, and adaptation architectural spaces to Zoroastrian rites. Comparison of “T” form platform of Space D to the features of Space B of Takht-i-Suleiman, and internal features of the modern Zoroastrian Yazišngāh, architectural limitation for keeping fire except Ātaš Dādgāh, and finally conditions relevant to the Zoroastrian Yazišngāh can indicate Space D of Bandian as Yazišngāh, whereas the fire was the third sacred Ātaš Dādgāh.  Present paper is significant for a new presentation of the identity of Bandian Dargaz complex, and revelation of a Sassanid family Fire Temple.