Bishapur city

Bishapur, an ancient city, is a treasure trove of Sassanian-era artifacts, including the Temple of Anahita and the statue of Shapur I located in Shapur Cave. The structure of Bishapur’s columned hall is situated in the center of the city at the intersection of its two main streets. The renowned French archaeologist Roman Ghirshman considered the twin-columned structure in the city of Bishapur as a place for offering vows. However, it can be imagined that the mentioned structure held significant importance, as the historical document of Bishapur’s urbanization is inscribed on one of the columns in Sasanian Pahlavi script.

The inscription on the column not only represents the history of urbanization in Bishapur but also introduces the overseer and executor of the project, “Apsay” from the people of Haran. He received attention from the Sasanian king and was awarded prizes and honors by the king. The city of Bishapur was built in 266 AD by the order of Shapur I. It is said that after Shapur I’s victory over the Roman Emperor Valerian, he ordered the construction of a city in a pleasant climate along the route from Persepolis to Ctesiphon. Perhaps the selection of this location for the city was due to the Sasanian kings’ attention and interest in the powerful Achaemenid dynasty and to connect their lineage to them. This route during the Achaemenid era connected important cities like Persepolis and Estakhr to the strategic area of Susa.

The historic Chogan Strait is located 23 kilometers from the city of Kazeroon, facing the ancient city of Bishapur, with the Shapur River flowing through it in a northeast to southwest direction. The attractions that can be seen in this strait include the historic city of Bishapur, the Temple of Anahita, prominent rock reliefs along the Chogan strait, and the magnificent Shapur Cave and statue.