The secret of the eternal fire burning for four thousand years

Discover the secret of the fire that has been burning non-stop for 4,000 years in Azerbaijan, even in snow and rain. In this text, we will introduce two remarkable sites closely associated with the ancient cult of fire: Yanar Dag, better known as the “flaming mountain”, and the fire temple of Achgah. Get ready for a journey that combines history, spirituality, and an eternal fire show.

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Yanar Dag: Eternal Fire

Located on the Absheron Peninsula in Azerbaijan, Yanar Dag is one of the rare examples of a forest fire that has fascinated travelers for thousands of years. This phenomenon is a side effect of the country’s rich reserves of natural gas, which occasionally seep to the surface.

Aliyeva Rahila, a local tour guide, describes the astonishing persistence of weather-defying flames, such as rain, snow, and wind. The legendary explorer Marco Polo even mentioned Yanar Dağ in his travels to the country in the 13th century, contributing to Azerbaijan’s reputation as the “Land of Fire”.

History and Spirituality at Ateshgah Fire Temple

For a deeper experience of the ancient fire cult, visitors can explore the Ateshgah Fire Temple, located east of Baku. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries by Indian settlers, this pentagonal complex is a testament to Azerbaijan’s rich and varied history.

The temple houses a domed altar shrine built over a natural gas outlet. Fire rituals at this site date back to the 10th century or even earlier, and its association with Zoroastrianism and Hinduism adds to its mystical atmosphere.

experiences and curiosity

Visitors who make it to the Yanar Dag Visitor Center have the chance to witness the spectacle of flames, especially at night or during winters when the snow melts in the air without touching the ground.

Despite its alleged antiquity, some sources suggest that the Yanar Dag fire may have only started in the 1950s. However, the 30-minute drive north from central Baku is worth it for lovers of unique natural phenomena.

At the fire temple at Atishga, visitors can explore the chambers and chambers of the complex, once used by pilgrims, merchants, and resident ascetics.

Some ascetics performed extreme ordeals in pursuit of spirituality, such as lying in caustic quicklime or holding an arm in one position for years. Today, the temple has become a museum, which receives about 15,000 visitors annually.