Naqsh-e Rajab

Naqsh-e Rajab is an archaeological site includes the rock reliefs of the kings who belongs to the Sasanian Empire in Fars province.

Naqsh-e Rajab contains the reliefs which carved on the rock. To show the power of the Sasanian Empire, these reliefswere  carved at the command of the kings. You will see four reliefs which narrate the coronation of Ardashir I and Shapur I, Shapur I and the courtiers, and Kartir. Kartir was an influential Zoroastrian priest or Mobad during the Sasanian kings in the 3rd century.

• The coronation of Ardashir I
   

One of the reliefs of Naqsh-e Rajab narrates the story of the coronation of Ardeshir I. You will see a rock relief with a width of 4.5 meters and a height of 2.5 meters that is situated on the east side of this archaeological site. Ardeshir's father inflicted a defeat on Artabanus V of Parthia and then sat on the throne. After his death, Ardashir I was next in line to the throne. This relief indicates the scene of the coronation of Ardashir I. The figure of Ardashir I was carved on the left with the crown of the Sasanian Empire. Moreover, Ahura Mazda was carved on the other side with Barsom (A branch of the sacred tree) in his hands.

• The Relief of Kartir
   

On the left side of the Ardashir I, you will see a small relief which belonged to the Kartir. Kartir was an influential Mobad of the Sasanian Empire. You will see no beard on his face. Also, a pearl necklace was featured in this relief. He raised his right index finger to pay tribute to Shapur I, pointing to the inscription behind him. The inscription includes thirty rows of Pahlavi scripts of the Sasanian era.

• The coronation of Shapur I 
        

This carving is one of the prominent reliefs that remain from the Sasanian era. You will see a rock relief with a width of four meters and a height of three meters that narrates the scene of the coronation of Shapur I. The figures carved in this relief show that the king rides on a horse and takes the ring of kingship from the Zoroastrian god.

• Shapur I and the courtiers
   

On the north side of Naqsh-e Rajab, you will see the figures of Shapur I and the courtiers that were carved in the relief. It shows that Shapur rides on a horse and nine members of the court stand behind him. There is an inscription next to the horse that was carved in Pahlavi scripts from the Sasanian era as well.

• What is the best time to go?
   

  Late April and early May are the best times to visit the Naqsh-e Rajab. You can read some information about visiting hours and the entrance fee.
  • Visiting the Naqsh-e Rajab for foreign visitors costs 80,000 IRR.
  • During Spring and Summer, you can visit the Naqsh-e Rajab from 7:30 AM until 8:00 PM.
  • During Autumn and Winter, you can visit the Naqsh-e Rajab from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

• Getting there
   

Naqsh-e Rajab is located 56 kilometers northeast of Shiraz and three kilometers north of Persepolis. From Shiraz, it takes about 50 minutes by car to get there. You should take yourself to the Shiraz-Persepolis road. Then, go to the Marvdasht-Sadaat Shahr highway and get on this road and go to Marv Dasht-Sarooie Road. After a short time, you will reach the Naqsh-e Rajab.