Naghsh-e Rajab

Naghsh-e Rajab is a historical site located three kilometers north of Persepolis, along the Isfahan-Shiraz highway, which receives less attention from tourists and visitors to the historical sites of Fars Province and Shiraz, except for foreign tourists. Here, in the silence and obscurity of this corner of the road, lies Naghsh-e Rajab, inviting you to explore its wonders. You will encounter prominent reliefs and rock carvings from the Sassanian period. The historical city of Estakhr lies on the other side of the road. It seems that the reason for its naming was a nearby coffeehouse named after a person named Rajab, which is why the site became known as Naghsh-e Rajab.

The historical city of Estakhr was the birthplace of Ardeshir and Shapur Sassanid, and they held their coronation ceremonies in their hometown, precisely at this location. That’s why there are reliefs and inscriptions depicting their coronation ceremonies at Naghsh-e Rajab, along with images of Rostam. Ardeshir, the founder of the Sassanian dynasty, left marks of his coronation ceremonies at various locations: Tang-e Firouzabad, Naghsh-e Rostam, and here, at Naghsh-e Rajab. There are four inscriptions with reliefs in Naghsh-e Rajab, depicting various ceremonies.

There is a relief of Shapur I and his companions, accompanied by an inscription containing the name, title, and lineage of the king in three languages. Parthian and Greek inscriptions are carved on the horse’s shoulder, and Pahlavi script is inscribed on the flat part of the rock opposite the king’s chest. The Pahlavi script consists of five lines (the fifth line contains only one word), the Parthian script has four lines, and the .Greek inscription has six lines.