Iran: the ancient city at Takht-e-Soleyman

With gratitude to Hassan Salehi who arranged a stopover at this location during our geological assignment in Zanjan and Takalb. A Unesco Site. Regards to Glen Griesback and the crew of fantastic Iranian geologists who accompanied us.
An unforgettable ancient circular walled city. There is a small museum a the site. Historical accounts indicate it was the summer palace of Abaqa Kahn (1265-82), 2'nd ruler of the Ilkhanid Dynasty. Construction began in 1271 on top of ancient ruins of a important Zoroastrian fire temple. The Ilkhanids were a conquering nomadic people of Mongol origin, and at the time Abaqa Kahn remained focused on the military conquest of new lands to the west. The Ilkhanids conducted administrative and courtly duties within this summer pleasure and military outpost, with many trials, appointments with foreign rulers and courts, celebrations, and enthronements. It was also a place for the elite, the Ilkhanid court, and soldiers, a place for pleasure and fulfillment.
The site has architectural connections to the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, for example there is a cluster of stone 'yurt' ('ger') shaped structures in the center courtyard. The Mongols had their Capital City in China at that time and Chinese -Iranian connections are also apparent.
The volcano climb, several kilometers to the west of the ruins, is an essential part of the visit, said to be a military post and execution site of that time. View the track in satellite mode and zoom in on the volcano. It is a unique type, a travertine volcano with a hollow vertical cylindrical core.

The track includes the drive between parking lot at the ruins and the Volcano. There is a small town midway. Get lots of water before starting the volcano climb! there is danger approaching the peak, No Guard Rails!