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

Azerbaijan’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.


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


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.


These walls are actually newly built for tourism purpose.


There is also a restaurant besides the Fire Temple.






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


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


The evacuation plan which also shows the complex layout.


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


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.


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




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


Sadly 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.


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


Many 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.



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


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


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




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


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


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


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


Some artefacts that were discovered at the site.


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


Panoramic view of the Fire Temple, Ateshgah.


Explored the surroundings of the Fire Temple.






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


People 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.






A lamb being selected.


The lamb being inspected by the potential buyer.


The chosen sheep will be butchered there and then.


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


And there was a traffic jam because of the holiday.


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


Arriving at the Yanar Dag.


A place selling souvenirs at Yanar Dag.


Yep, 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.


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


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


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



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


The view from above.






Yanar Dag, translated as ‘Fire Mountain’.


The 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.


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


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


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