Yazd Tower of Silence

The Tower of Silence: An Ancient Zoroastrian Burial Site

Zoroastrians believed that cremation or burial in the ground or water would desecrate fire, earth, and water—the sacred elements they worship. To prevent this, specially constructed Towers of Silence were used for funeral rituals.

One of these towers can still be found in Yazd. Located in a remote area on a hill near the outskirts of the city, this ancient structure dates back to the 13th century Today, the Tower of Silence is one of Yazd’s most popular attractions. Each year, thousands of visitors come to admire this unique tower, which represents the rich history and culture of the region.

Zoroastrianism revolves around the idea of living through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, while death is considered an evil. For this reason, Zoroastrian tradition prohibits touching the body of a dead person. The funeral process is a complex ritual that must be followed with great precision.

Only two people can stand by the bedside of a dying person —one reciting prayers, the other offering a sacred drink, such as pomegranate juice, from a special vessel. A dog is always by the bed, representing the destruction of all the “impurities.”

This burial ceremony is traditionally held at sunrise.

About 100 years ago, the bodies of the deceased were placed in a burial pit called the Tower of Silence, a round tower with a flat top. At these towers, the dead were left exposed to the elements and local vultures until their bones became clean and white. Later, the remains were collected and dropped into a well located inside the Tower of Silence.