AZERBAIJAN - Ateshgah (Fire Temple) & Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain)

15:02 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

DSC04411_thumbAzerbaijan’s emblem is the fire symbol and it is named “land of eternal fire” for good reasons. It used to be so rich in oil and gas, that oil was oozing out of the ground naturally and natural gas fire blazes continuously in several places.


DSCF3510_thumbToday, we went to the Absheron Peninsula which was the site of some of the world’s earliest petroleum production. 


DSCF3616_thumb[10]The Absheron Peninsula is still being used to extract oil since 1870. Only 10% of the Azerbaijan’s oil comes from here. Not much oil left. Now, most of the oil extraction comes from the Caspian Sea.


DSCF3513_thumbThese walls are actually newly built for tourism purpose.


DSCF3514_thumbThere is also a restaurant besides the Fire Temple.


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DSC04439_thumbThe complex of Fire Temple was turned into a museum in 1975.


DSC04434_thumbRules and regulations to visit the temple. The Ateshgah is opened everyday from 9am till 6 pm everyday including holidays.


DSC04435_thumbThe evacuation plan which also shows the complex layout.


DSCF3591_thumb[8]The Baku Ateshgah “Fire Temple” was built in the 17th and 18th century and soon became the pilgrimage center of fire worshippers.


DSC04416_thumb[9]A UNESCO Heritage Site, the historical roots of the Fire Temple, Ateshgah go back to the days where Azerbaijan statehood was only taking shape and establishing itself, and Zoroastrianism, the central part in whose ritual is played by fire, was the dominant religion in Azerbaijan.


DSC04410_thumbThe guard tower and entrance gate is the only two storey structure in the complex.


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DSCF3598_thumb1The temple has an altar in its center with tiny cells for the temple’s attendants lining the walls.


DSCF3522_thumb1Sadly the holy fire in the temple was extinguished and the temple was abandoned after 1883 when oil and gas plants were established in the vicinity, thus ending the flow of natural gas. Today the fire here is fed by mains gas piped in from Baku city.


DSCF3518_thumb1People used to worshipped at this site because of the seven holes with burning flames.


DSCF3537_thumb1Many Indian merchants came here to worship the fire in the Middle Age. Baku’s Indian community may have been responsible for the construction or renovation of the Ateshgah.


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DSCF3549_thumbSome worshippers contributed money so that they could spent their nights here in the cells.


DSC04429_thumbThe door opening is low to keep heat in during winter and to keep heat out during summer.


DSC04426_thumbPeople worshipped fire, seeking protection against adversity and oppression and begging it for happiness and well being.


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DSCF3561_thumbThese holes in the walls were used to tie the animals which indicates that this cell is used as a stable.


DSC04431_thumbA man who chained himself because he believed that these self inflicted suffering will lessen his sins.


DSCF3566_thumbOfferings such as fruits were being placed in the hole. Of course, at that time the hole is filled with fire. 


DSCF3580_thumbA Hinduish god figure in the cells. Believe it or not, some people (not Azerbaijani) still comes here to worship.


DSC04432_thumbSome artefacts that were discovered at the site.


DSCF3601_thumbHad a photo with a local girl at the Fire Temple.


DSCF3600_thumb1Panoramic view of the Fire Temple, Ateshgah.


DSCF3605_thumbExplored the surroundings of the Fire Temple.


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DSCF3612_thumbWell, I’ve visited the Fire Temple. It’s time to make a move to visit the Fire Mountain.


DSC04462_thumbPeople selling sheep at the roadside because that day was the day of Eid al-Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice. Many Muslims in Azerbaijan celebrated that day by sacrificing sheep.


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DSC04459_thumbA lamb being selected.


DSC04460_thumbThe lamb being inspected by the potential buyer.


DSC04475_thumb1The chosen sheep will be butchered there and then.


DSCF3681_thumbPoor sheep. Well, how did you thought you got your lamb chops?


DSC04474_thumbAnd there was a traffic jam because of the holiday.


DSCF3679_thumb1Heavy traffic especially around this area, because this is where people purchase their lamb.


DSCF3620_thumbArriving at the Yanar Dag.


DSCF3672_thumbA place selling souvenirs at Yanar Dag.


DSC04479_thumbYep, this is the eternally burning fire mountain. If you were expecting to see the entire mountain burning with fire like me, you might be disappointed to see this sight.


DSCF3670_thumb1The itinerary states ‘Fire Mountain is an ancient and visually stunning fire which blazes continuously’. Haha!


DSCF3627_thumbThe fire was warm and burning steadily. The fire is never extinguished and nobody knows how long it had been burning.


DSCF3645_thumbThe people tried to puncture more holes in the hill to make the fire more dramatic, but it just didn’t work.



DSCF3643_thumbWalking up the stairs that lead to the top of the hill.


DSCF3637_thumbThe view from above.


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DSC04486_thumbYanar Dag, translated as ‘Fire Mountain’.


DSC04491_thumbThe numerous links to fire in the folklore and icons of Azerbaijan are attributed to a connection to the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism which appeared in this region over 2,000 years ago.


DSCF3660_thumbThe fire burns because of a steady seep of gas from the subsurface, unlike the mud volcanoes.


DSCF3655_thumbNow I fully understand why Azerbaijan is named “Land of Eternal Fire”.


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