Nevis Fire Temple

The Nevis Fire Temple, also known as the Borzu Fire Temple and the Borzu Chahartaqi, is a historic monument in Qom Province. It stands in Jafarabad County, Qahan District, close to the village of Nevis. The structure sits on the slopes of the heights west of the village, in a mountainous area, and holds a special place among the historical remains from the pre-Islamic era. The Nevis Fire Temple was registered on the list of Iran's National Heritage on 20 Khordad 1321 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 344. The monument is estimated to be nearly 2,000 years old, and its structural features suggest it was built at the end of the Parthian period, or less likely at the beginning of the Sasanian period. Even so, in written sources and among local people it is mostly regarded as one of the surviving chahartaqis of the Sasanian era.

The Nevis Fire Temple is a prominent example of Iran's free-standing chahartaqis, with a square plan and a symmetrical structure on all four sides. The building consists of four piers and four arches, and its dome rests on these piers with the help of four squinches. The building materials are rubble stone and rough, undressed stone bound together with gypsum mortar, and all four sides of the building are completely open, without doors, windows or barriers. From the outside the building looks like a cube-shaped mass, with four open archways visible around it. This chahartaqi structure has similar examples elsewhere in the country in ancient Iranian architecture. In the past the Nevis Fire Temple was used as a place of worship for Zoroastrians, and according to available information it also served astronomical purposes, with its use continuing into the early Islamic period. Its location in a high, mountainous area with open views all around is another feature that adds to the importance of its setting.

To reach the Nevis Fire Temple, head to the village of Nevis in Qahan District, Jafarabad County, and from the village head toward the slopes of the western heights and the Borzu plain. Because the monument stands in mountainous terrain, getting to it requires walking through the natural landscape. The best time to visit is during the mild seasons, especially spring and early autumn, because the temple's mountain location makes the weather in the cold and hot seasons harder for exploring. While visiting, avoid damaging the stones and historic parts of the monument, moving building materials, lighting fires around the site, or leaving rubbish behind. To help preserve this ancient relic, stay on the existing, low-risk paths. It is also best to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery without harming the vegetation or the natural structure of the area.