Naqsh-e Rajab Marvdasht

Naqsh-e Rajab Marvdasht

The Coronation Ceremony of the Sasanian Kings

Near Marvdasht in Fars Province, on the route from Persepolis to Istakhr or the Royal Road, there is a very beautiful Sasanian relief called Naqsh-e Rajab. This beautiful relief is carved on the slope of Mount Rahmat and depicts from right to left three important assemblies of the Sasanian kings, which are as follows:

1- The assembly of Shapur and courtiers (first assembly)

2- The Kartir inscription

3- The coronation assembly of Ardashir Babakan (second assembly)

4- The coronation assembly of Shapur I (third assembly).

Opposite Naqsh-e Rajab, there is a large square which is said to have been a prosperous place and a recreational area in the past. Since it was near the ancient city of Istakhr, the Sasanian kings held their feasts and coronation ceremonies there. This is also confirmed by the carving of flowing water on Mount Rahmat. It is also said with high probability that Ardashir Babakan was born near Istakhr and held his coronation near this place. For this reason, the reliefs of his and subsequent kings' coronation assemblies are located here.

National Registration: Naqsh-e Rajab was registered on 15 September 1931 with number 22 in the list of national heritage sites of Iran.