Ateshgah, which translates from Azerbaijani as “House of Fire” or “Place of Fire,” is a sanctuary built in a region where natural gas emerges from the earth. Over the centuries, this fire temple has served as a pilgrimage site for followers of Hinduism. Throughout its history, Ateshgah has welcomed representatives from various religious communities, including Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs.
Located on the Absheron Peninsula and bordered to the east by the Caspian Sea, Ateshgah is situated near Baku, in the nearby village of Surakhany, which translates to “Hot House.” This area is known for its natural gas and oil deposits, which began to be actively extracted in the mid-19th century.
Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, emerged in these territories around the 7th to 6th centuries BCE. Zoroastrians revered fire as a symbol of divine power. Over the centuries, this faith has significantly influenced humanity, with its primary followers being Persians and their neighboring cultures. Following the Arab conquest of Persia, Zoroastrianism gradually blended into Islam, leading many of its most devoted followers to disperse across the globe. A large community of Zoroastrians established themselves in India, where they are known today as Parsis, descendants of Persians who fled from Islamic invaders. It is estimated that there are currently around 300,000 Zoroastrians worldwide, and Ateshgah continues to attract Indian Parsis and Zoroastrians from Iran, who conduct religious ceremonies here with the museum’s permission.
The earliest mention of the region with its eternal flames dates back to the 5th century CE, with descriptions of the area featuring “ever-burning” fires appearing in the writings of medieval authors from the 7th to 10th centuries. Ateshgah, meaning “House of Fire,” aptly reflects the temple’s purpose as a sanctuary for sacred flames. The temple has three significant milestones in its history. The exact date of its first establishment remains unknown, but it is believed to have occurred many centuries ago when the region was rich with sites like Yanardag, where natural flames still burn today. In 1858, the famous writer Alexandre Dumas described the area as a “plain nearly a square mile, from which flames burst forth through a hundred irregular openings.” Imagine the scene a millennium earlier, when locals, unaware of the natural gas leaks, worshipped the flames and constructed the first Ateshgah. This tradition continued until the advent of Islam, after which the Fire Temple was largely forgotten.
The second significant milestone is known: it is 1713, when the first structure was built at the site, predating the incorporation of the South Caucasus into the Russian Empire. The most recent construction dates back to 1810, and visitors can explore the various stages of development through an interactive display during their tour. Interestingly, the new Ateshgah was constructed by Indians—those very Parsis from India who learned about this remarkable place, where sacred fire emerges from the earth, from merchants traveling along the Great Silk Road. They traveled thousands of kilometers to build this temple, a testament to the power of faith. Detailed stories about this incredible journey will be shared during your visit. We highly recommend taking a guided tour, even if you plan to visit the fire temple independently.
The first building of the fire temple dates back to 1713, while the most recent altar was constructed in 1810. Throughout the 18th century, various structures such as cells, prayer rooms, and caravanserais were built within the Ateshgah complex. By the early 19th century, the temple was fully completed, attracting scholars, travelers, and tourists.
The second temple functioned until 1880, when the last monk passed away, and no new clergy could be found. Around this time, an oil refinery was established nearby, leading to the gradual extinguishing of the temple’s flames. Another theory suggests that an earthquake shifted the oil plates, contributing to the flames’ extinction. In October 1887, the temple, then known as the Indian Monastery, was showcased to Alexandra Feodorovna and her children during a visit by Emperor Alexander III to Baku, at which time the flames were still burning.
The flames were finally extinguished on January 6, 1902. In 1922, the Ateshgah Fire Temple was officially closed by the Soviet government, deemed a harmful occult establishment, and repurposed as a storage facility for 40 years. Ateshgah was reopened to tourists after restoration in 1975, transforming into an open-air museum. In 1998, the sanctuary was nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and around the same time, the architectural complex was designated as a State Historical Reserve.
Following its restoration in 2007, Ateshgah once again welcomed tourists and pilgrims, with approximately 15,000 visitors from various parts of the world arriving each year. Zoroastrians continue to hold religious services at the temple, preserving its spiritual legacy.
Architecturally, Ateshgah bears little resemblance to Hindu temples. It is designed in the form of “chahar tagh,” characterized by four arches aligned with the cardinal directions. The area surrounding the altar is laid out in a hexagonal shape, enclosed by a high wall that serves as the boundary of this historical monument, with an entrance leading into the complex.
Above the entrance to Ateshgah, there is a traditional guest room, a common feature in the region. The stone walls of the fire worshippers’ dwellings bear carved inscriptions, predominantly in Hindu, with a few Sikh inscriptions and one surviving Zoroastrian inscription. Nearby, there is a pit lined with stones that once served as a cremation site for deceased fire worshippers. Historically, Ateshgah was home to ascetics who believed in the power of fire and the reincarnation of the human soul.
A large metal plate featuring a double-headed eagle and an ancient Russian inscription is mounted on the wall near the entrance to the sanctuary. Inside the temple, mannequins depict the daily life of fire worshippers from that era, while artifacts from archaeological excavations are displayed in the cells.
The temple’s inner courtyard, though not particularly large, invites exploration. After visiting the central chapel, where the sacred fire burns, the tour continues around the perimeter. The pentagonal courtyard is lined with the former cells of the fire worshippers—26 in total—each showcasing various scenes from daily life or items of everyday use. Visitors are often struck by the extreme measures these inhabitants took to purify themselves, as they believed that by inflicting hardships on their bodies, they could improve their karma.
Interestingly, the most significant structure within the temple complex is also the youngest. The main altar was renovated in 1810 with funds from an Indian merchant, whose name is inscribed in stone for posterity. Throughout the temple, there are 14 Hindu inscriptions, two Sikh inscriptions, and one Persian (Zoroastrian) inscription, all commissioned by prominent pilgrims who visited this sacred site. It was common practice for merchants to leave donations, with monks performing rituals to absolve their sins.
Today, Ateshgah serves not only as a historical reserve and open-air museum but is also well-equipped for tourist visits. Cafes, souvenir shops, and parking facilities have been established near the temple. Visitors can arrange guided tours to enrich their experience and deepen their understanding of this unique cultural and religious site.
To reach Ateshgah, take bus number 184 from the “Ulduz” station. Disembark at the final stop, “Surakhany Railway Station.” The journey from central Baku to Surakhany takes approximately 40 minutes by bus, and from the final stop, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the museum.