Abstract:
This talk examines how Sasanian Zoroastrian fire temples, particularly the chahārtāq, were intentionally designed as cosmic architectures that linked earthly ritual space with the order of the heavens. Drawing on Avestan and Pahlavi cosmology, archaeological evidence, and archaeoastronomical analysis, the presentation argues that these four-arched, domed structures functioned as cosmograms encoding elemental balance, seasonal time, and celestial rhythm. Geospatial and astronomical measurements reveal deliberate alignments with the solstices, True North, and stars such as Sirius (Tištrya), as well as conceptual parallels in the Rašn Yašt related to cosmic order. Together, these elements point to a sophisticated integration of sky-watching traditions within the architecture. By situating the sacred fire at the geometric and symbolic centre, the chahārtāq oriented participants within both physical space and a distinctly Zoroastrian vision of cosmic order. The talk invites audiences to rediscover these temples as active expressions of spiritual, architectural, and astronomical insight.
About the Speaker:
Hamta Mousavi is a multidisciplinary PhD candidate in History, Religion, and Philosophy at SOAS, University of London, specialising in Zoroastrian history, religion, and cosmology. Her research focuses on Sasanian Zoroastrian fire temples and their alignment with ancient astral sciences. Her doctoral work integrates Avestan and Pahlavi textual analysis with archaeoastronomical and geospatial methods to explore how sacred space, ritual time, and cosmic order were conceptualised and materially expressed in the fire temples of late antique Iran.
She holds an MA in Iranian Studies from SOAS, with advanced studies in Ancient and Middle Iranian languages, as well as an MA in Persian arts and traditional research at the University of Tehran. With over twenty years of experience in cultural heritage, teaching, museum curation, and traditional arts, she has held leadership roles in the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organisation and was a member of the Iranology Foundation (Bonyad-e Iran Shenasi) and the National Elites Foundation (Bonyad-e Melli-e Nokhbegan).
Her recent academic roles include Research Assistant at the Royal Asiatic Society, peer reviewer for the SOAS Journal of Postgraduate Research, and instructor in Zoroastrian religion and history at the Nimruz Institute of Zoroastrian Studies. She has presented at international conferences in Lille and Rome and will present at upcoming events at St Andrews University and WZO London.
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Meeting ID: 930 1499 3212
Passcode: AZS
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