Noushijan Tappe, Pre-Islamic castle in Malayer, Iran
Noushijan Tappe is an ancient fortified settlement on elevated ground near Malayer, featuring a semicircular adobe octagon structure supported by twelve wooden columns. The site contains multiple storage rooms and an incomplete tunnel network beneath the surface.
The site was built before 800 BC and experienced three major civilization phases across different empires. It remained occupied through shifts in regional power and architectural practices over centuries.
The western building contains two connected rooms with fire ceremony traces, suggesting it served an important religious function for the period. These spaces reveal practices that shaped beliefs in the region.
The site sits on elevated terrain about 32 kilometers northwest of Malayer, so sturdy footwear is advisable for exploring the grounds. Plan extra time to observe the octagonal layout and examine the various architectural sections and storage areas.
The central temple features egg-shaped vault niches on its southern and western walls, a mark of advanced construction methods for its era. This specialized design was uncommon at the time and reflects considerable technical skill.
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