Mehr Temple of Maragheh

Maragheh Mithra Temple

This temple is one of the earliest temples in the country, dating back to the Parthian era. This attraction was a place of worship for Mithraists (the sun worship religion) and has various sections. An interesting point about this temple is that it was created underground, and despite multiple excavations, only part of it is identified. The Maragheh Mithra Temple is also one of these rock-cut temples, created inside the mountain and underground. Cracks can be seen on the temple walls that were used as niches. The central hall of the temple is rectangular and has three access routes to the three surrounding dome-shaped spaces. The round rooms of the sanctuary are considered one of its most interesting parts. In this temple, signs can be seen that indicate the hierarchical order of the Mithraic religion.

During storms and celestial disasters, the Maragheh Mithra Temple was a refuge for rulers and the wealthy. Some believe this temple was a place of seclusion for Sufis and mystics.