Naqsh-e Rajab

🕰️When was it built?

The carvings belong to the Sasanian era and the time of Ardashir Babakan and his son Shapur I. The figure and inscription of Kartir, a high-ranking Sasanian priest, are also part of the group. The site was added to the National Heritage List in 1931 as number 22.

🏛️What was it built for?

These carvings were made to show the king's standing and to record the ceremonies and deeds of the state. Some scenes show the granting of the ring of kingship, and Kartir's inscription is about his own religious work. The carvings do not all form a single scene.

👀What you will see

• In the northern panel, Shapur is on horseback with nine noblemen standing behind him; the carving sits a little above ground level.
• The middle panel is about 4.5 metres wide and shows eight men, women and children in the scene of Ardashir's coronation.
• In the scene of Shapur's coronation, the king and the figure granting the ring are both on horseback.
• Kartir is shown with a raised hand in a gesture of respect, and his thirty-line Pahlavi inscription sits beside the figure.
• On the chest of Shapur's horse is a Pahlavi inscription, and near it a Greek inscription with the same meaning.

💡Something interesting

It is said the name Rajab comes from the owner of an old teahouse nearby. This is the story of the name, and it does not mean that anyone called Rajab appears in the scenes of the Sasanian kings.

Good to know before you go