Takht-e-Rustam

g , y y , e capital of Samangan province. There is some debate about its age. According to some sources, it dates back to 3500 BC, during the Buddhist era, while the renowned French archaeologist and orientalist, Maurice Foucher, considers it to be from the 5th century AD This site is one of the most important and ancient structures from the Buddhist period, holding both material and spiritual significance for the people of Afghanistan and humanity as a whole. The circumference of the base of the site measures 85 meters, and surrounding it are caves and numerous chambers where Buddhists once kept their idols and used the space as a temple. These rooms also served as a place for storing their treasures.

Today, 15% of the caves and rooms surrounding Takht-e-Rustam have been damaged, and the Takht itself, as well as the surrounding area, requires restoration There are also mines located near these caves and rooms. Small ponds were once constructed around the site for its protection, but over time, they have dried up and disappeared, leaving only their traces behind.

This historical site attracts both local and international tourists, but the people of Samangan are worried about the preservation of this significant and ancient monument. They have repeatedly called for help to ensure that attention is given to its restoration and reconstruction. According to Tolo News, locals have mentioned that construction work had started under the previous government, but after its downfall at the hands of the Taliban, the project was halted, and there has been no progress since.

The grandeur of Samangan, along with the legendary figures of Rustam and Tahmineh, is famously depicted in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh Takht-e-Rustam stands with such majesty just two kilometers from the heart of Aybak, the capital of Samangan, that it seems as though Rustam himself constructed it to stand for eternity. The people of Afghanistan believe that Takht-e-Rustam was built by Rustam, and that Zoroaster lived there for ten years. According to popular belief, Rustam, the hero of th Shahnameh, constructed the Takht for himself Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangan, also built the surrounding rooms They later celebrated their wedding ceremony at this site Some even say that Rustam issued his commands on this stone or platform

In Afghanistan, particularly in the northern regions, many relics from the time of Buddha still exis Takht-e-Rustam in Samangan is one of the oldest and most significant of these remains Unfortunately, over time, and due to the lack of protective walls, this structure has gradually deteriorated. Its location by a busy road, where vehicles frequently pass, has further contributed to it decay. Despite all of this, Takht-e-Rustam still stands firm and welcoming to visitors.