A fire keeper at the Temple of Yazd in Iran tends the world’s longest-burning manmade fire, which has been continuously alight since 470 AD. The fire was kindled by the Persian King Peroz I during the Sassanid Empire, and is regarded as the holiest fire in Zoroastrianism. [6000×4000]

Zoroastrians have a big presence in Yazd, Kerman, Tehran, Kashan and Isfahan (smaller communities exist in Shiraz and Rafsanjan too). They, along with Christians, Jews and Sunni Muslims, are officially recognized by the government. This constitutional recognition comes with the right to freely practice their religion, maintain their temples, and celebrate their ceremonies. Zoroastrians are permitted to establish schools, cultural associations, and social organizations within their communities. They’re also allowed to drink and produce wine.

One unique aspect of the country’s political system is that recognized religious minorities have reserved seats in the Iranian parliament. Zoroastrians have a seat exclusively reserved for them. The Temple of Yazd, also known as Yazd Atash Behram, is the world’s most important Zoroastrian site. The temple was built in 1934, but the sacred fire it houses has been burning continuously since 470 AD of the Sassanid Empire, making it over 1,500 years old. The fire is one of the nine Atash Behrams globally, with the other eight being in India.

The sacred fire is kept inside a specially designed glass enclosure at the center of the temple, placed on a bronze furnace. This enclosure protects the fire from wind, dust, and other external elements while allowing priests and visitors to see it. The fire is. It also ensures continuous airflow so the fire can burn steadily. Fire keepers carefully tend the fire, adding consecrated wood at regular intervals to maintain it. This setup allows the fire to burn continuously for centuries, which is why the Yazd fire has remained alight.

The temple is open to the public, allowing Zoroastrians and all interested visitors to witness the rituals, learn about the religion, and see the fire that has been tended since ancient times:

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_Temple_of_Yazd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_Temple_of_Yazd)

The holiest fire does not sound so good once you think about it

(X) doubt

Im kind of surpised the current dictatorial theocratic regime still allows this

If all the molecules have been burned from the original, is it still the same fire?