We drove from Zakho to the symbol of ancient Zoroastrianism – the Charsteen Cave. It is located just next to the Duhok Dam (🎫 1000 IQD). Fire, water, soil, and air were four sacred elements in Zoroastrianism. A short rocky tunnel leads to the sacred place – an open fire temple with a four carved pillars. It used to be a fire temple dedicated to the deity Anahita, as indicated by the discovery of Anahita’s emblem and a fire altar at the heart of the temple. The cave dates back to the 1st millennium BC.
Parking location – Duhok: 36.871811N 43.001407E