Ateshgah Museum, also known as the Fire Temple, located near Baku, is a unique historical site that transports visitors into the world of ancient religions and mysticism. This open-air museum tells the story of the centuries-old fire-worshipping culture, its rituals, and beliefs.

What is Ateshgah?
The name "Ateshgah" comes from the Persian words "atash" (fire) and "gah" (place), which together mean "Place of Fire." The temple was built on the site of natural gas vents that would ignite upon contact with air, making it a sacred center of fire worship.

• Ateshgah dates back to the 17th–18th centuries, but the site itself had been revered long before, since the Bronze Age.

• The presence of naturally burning gas made this location a spiritual center for fire-related rituals in ancient times.

History of the Temple
Ateshgah was originally a sacred site for Zoroastrians — followers of one of the world’s oldest religions, which originated in Persia. After the Arab conquest of the region in the 7th century and the spread of Islam, the temple lost its religious significance for a time. However, it experienced a revival in the following centuries, particularly due to Indian merchants and pilgrims.

Indian Connection:

• In the 17th century, the temple became an important place of worship for Hindus and Sikhs who revered fire as sacred.

• Some of the inscriptions on the temple walls are written in Devanagari script, confirming the site's ties to Indian religions.

Architecture and Layout
The temple complex is pentagon-shaped with a central altar where the “eternal flame” once burned. Surrounding the main courtyard are cells for pilgrims and priests, as well as rooms for conducting rituals.

Architectural Features:

• The central altar is crowned with four arches representing the classical elements: fire, water, air, and earth.

• Along the perimeter of the complex are preserved living quarters for travelers and ceremonial chambers.

Natural Flames and Their Meaning
The flames in Ateshgah were once fueled by natural underground gas vents that ignited spontaneously. This natural phenomenon was long considered sacred and mystical. Today, the original gas supply has been exhausted, but the temple’s "eternal flame" is maintained artificially.

Ateshgah as a Museum Today
Today, Ateshgah is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its history, learn about fire-worshipping cultures, and view reenactments of ancient rituals.

Museum Exhibits Include:

1. Religious Rituals – Reconstructed scenes showing the rites of fire worshippers.

2. Indian Influence – Objects related to Hinduism and Sikhism, as well as inscriptions in ancient Indian script.

3. Regional History – Displays explaining the temple's religious and cultural significance for the peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Interesting Facts:

• Ateshgah was mentioned in the travel diaries of many explorers, including Alexandre Dumas, who visited the temple in the 19th century.

• It is often called the “Temple of Eternal Fire,” despite the natural gas source having been depleted due to industrial gas extraction.

• The site has served as a filming location for several movies and documentaries focused on ancient civilizations.

Why Visit Ateshgah?

• The site is filled with the spirit of antiquity and mysticism, bringing history vividly to life.

• Its unique atmosphere offers a deep dive into the beliefs and practices of fire worshippers.

• Nearby lies another remarkable landmark — Yanar Dag (“Burning Mountain”), where natural flames still blaze from the earth.

A visit to Ateshgah is not just an educational experience, but also a captivating journey into the world of ancient legends and traditions.