Mehr Temple

The Mehr Temple of Maragheh, also known as the Mithraic Sanctuary, is one of Iran's national monuments. It was added to the National Heritage list on 19 Dey 1356 under registration number 1556. The temple is considered one of the oldest Mithraic temples in Iran and is located about 6 kilometres southeast of the city of Maragheh, in the village of Varjuy. The Mehr Temple was built underground and carved into the rock, reflecting the high level of stone-carving and architectural skill of the people of that era.

The temple is attributed to the Parthian (Ashkanid) period (about 2,500 years ago), and archaeologists believe the site was used for the worship of Mithra (the deity Mehr). Some parts of the temple feature rock carvings, including niches and hollows, and inscriptions in Kufic script can also be seen within the complex. The rock-cut plan and architecture of the temple, with its flat surfaces and right angles, resemble Mithraic temples in Italy, which is why researchers have dated it to the Parthian period. This ancient complex includes the temple, a cemetery, a stable and a chilla-khaneh (a cell for meditation and retreat), and parts of it have been uncovered through archaeological excavations. Gravestones bearing the symbols of a mace and a bow, as well as stone ram statues, have also been found at the site, pointing to the peoples and civilizations of the region in past centuries.

Today, parts of the Mehr Temple of Maragheh are damaged, and the state of its restoration is a concern for experts. Visitors can drive from the centre of Maragheh to the village of Varjuy, where signposts mark the route to the temple. When visiting this historic site, it is essential to treat the grounds with respect and to avoid entering unstable or crumbling sections, so that this ancient heritage is preserved.