Tower of Silence in Yazd

Two circular stone towers rise on a hilltop 15 kilometers southeast of Yazd, featuring concentric rings designed for ritual exposure of bodies.

The towers served Zoroastrian funeral practices for centuries until 1967, when Iranian regulations led to the discontinuation of traditional exposure rituals.

According to Zoroastrian beliefs, the towers prevented contamination of sacred elements earth, fire, and water through natural decomposition by vultures.

Visitors reach the site through paved roads leading to the foot of the hill, where walking paths provide access to observation points.

The central pit, called Ostudan, collected skeletal remains after vultures completed their task, following specific placement patterns for men, women, and children.

Location: Yazd

GPS coordinates: 31.82391,54.35657

Latest update: May 11, 2025 07:36