Taq-e Bostan
Taq-e Bostan | |
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Persian architecture | |
Taq-e Bostan (
This example of
The carvings, some of the finest and best-preserved examples of Persian sculpture under the Sassanids, include representations of the investitures of Ardashir II (379–383) and Shapur III (383–388). Like other Sassanid symbols, Taq-e Bostan, and its relief patterns accentuate power, religious tendencies, glory, honor, the vastness of the court, game and fighting spirit, festivity, joy, and rejoicing.
Sassanid kings chose a beautiful setting for their rock reliefs along a historic Silk Road caravan route waypoint and campground. The reliefs are adjacent to sacred springs that empty into a large reflecting pool at the base of a mountain cliff.
Taq-e Bostan and its rock relief are one of the 30 surviving Sassanid relics of the
Description of the rock reliefs
The Taq-e Bostan complex comprise a rock relief standing on its own and several more reliefs associated with two rock cut arches.
Investiture of Ardashir II
The relief panel is approx. 4.07 m wide and 3.9 m high.
Shapur II and Shapur III
The smaller arch or iwan (Taq-e Bustan II) has, on the upper part of the back wall, two
Shapur II inscription :
- This is the figure of Shahanshah(king of kings).
Shapur III inscription:
- This is the figure of Mazda-worshipping Lord Shapur, the king of kings of Iran and Aniran, whose race is from the Gods. Son of Mazda-worshipping Lord Shapur, the king of kings of Iran and Aniran, whose race is from the Gods, grandson of Lord Hormizd, the king of kings.
Iwan of Khusrow II
The three figures on the back wall of the large iwan are usually considered to represent
Scene of boar and deer hunting
There are two hunting scenes on each side of the ivan.
Dowlatshah Relief
Jumping 1300 years in time the upper relief shows the 19th century
Taq-e Bostan Photos
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Female musicians accompanying king during hunting
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Capital of a Sasanian column in Taq-e Bostan complex with geometrical design
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Head part of a column with figural decoration of a Sasanian king
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Details from a Sassanid relief on the incoronation of Ardashir showing adefeated Julian.
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relief ofFath Ali Shah, the Qajarking, added to the ancient complex in the 19th century.
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Relief of Khosrow parviz
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Relief of Elaheh (Angel)
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Statue of Ardeshir II
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Capital ofKhusrau II
See also
- Taq Kasra
- Taq-e Gara
- Sassanid architecture
- Naghsh-e Rajab
- Naqsh-e Rustam
- Bishapur
- List of colossal sculptures in situ
References
- ^ "Which one is correct, Taq bostan or Taq va san?". IRNA (in Persian). 2 March 2010.
...in Kermanshahi Kurdish, 'san' means stone and the origin of this name came from stony arches
- ^ Nickel, Helmut. "About the Sword of the Huns and the "Urepos" of the Steppes" (PDF): 131–134, note 3.
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- Dr. ISBN 964-90495-1-7
- Gardeshgary magazine Vol. 13, September 2002
- Iranian Cultural News Agency (CHN)
- Bruno Overlaet, Ardashir II or Shapur III?: reflections on the identity of a king in the smaller grotto at Taq-i Bustan, IRANICA ANTIQUA 46, 2011, p. 235-250 Ardashir II or Shapur III? Reflections on the Identity of a King in the Smaller Grotto at Taq-i Bustan, Iranica Antiqua 46, 2011, 235 – 250
- Bruno Overlaet, Ahura Mazda or Shapur II? A Note on Taq-i Bustan I, the Investiture of Ardashir II (379-383), Iranica Antiqua 47, 2012, p. 133-151 Ahura Mazda or Shapur II? A Note on Taq-i Bustan I, the Investiture of Ardashir II (379-383), Iranica Antiqua 47, 2012, 133 - 151
- Bruno Overlaet, And Man Created God? Kings, Priests and Gods on Sasanian Investiture Reliefs. Iranica Antiqua 48, 2013, 313-354. And Man Created God? Kings, Priests and Gods on Sasanian Investiture Reliefs. Iranica Antiqua 48, 2013, 313-354.
External links
- Ernst Herzfeld Papers, Series 5: Drawings and Maps, Records of Taq-e Bostan Site Collections Search Center, S.I.R.I.S., Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
- Photos of Taq-e Bostan
- Taq Bostan (Video)
- Kermanshah and Taq-e Bostan