The Reason Why the So-called Dash Kasan in Viyar is Not a Buddhist Temple

Document Type : Original Research

Author
amin moradi
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, Otto-Friedrich-University; Bamberg
10.52547/eijh.29.1.115
Abstract
The village of Viyar is known for its impressive rock-cut architecture called "Dash Kasan Temple." This monument is special in its architectural layout; two large scale dragon snakes carved out of cliffs, also the creation of a vast open area by excavating solid rock are the only examples in Iranian art and architecture. Although most of the debates generated hitherto on the identity of the so-called Dash Kasan are centered on a temple construction with a Mongol background in the Ilkhanid capital of Sultaniyya, there has been less architectural evidence to support this idea. Hence, the nature and the extent of the earlier studies are not sufficient to substantiate the architectural discourse in this monument. Consequently, most of the works done so far are mainly limited to general information from past decades attesting its monastic function. Thus, there remain several controversies about the inception of the architectural layout of the so-called Dash Kasan which needs to be further explored. The most recent field studies headed by the author in the spring of 2020 had developed one major question to be answered regarding this site: Why the so-called Dash Kasan cannot be a Buddhist temple. This research rejects the function of this complex as a temple based on its architectural composition. While the results clearly suggest an outright contradiction to the traditional views of scholars as a Buddhist temple, it is possible to trace a similar construction scheme between this site and Chines style ceremonial halls in Central Asia. This paper is intended to review the monastic function of the so-called Dash Kasan, and to further stimulate others to explore this extraordinary site.

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The International Journal of Humanities
Volume 29, Issue 1
Winter 2022
Pages 115-140