Religious Research

Religious Research

The Impact of Pre-Islamic Rituals on the Indigenous Traditions of the Sistan People (The Case of the Three Phenomena: Stone, Fire, and Tree)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad koochek zaee 1
absalan moheb ali 2
zahra rakhshanii 3
1 MA student, History of Religions and Comparative Mysticism, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
2 Assosiate Professor, Department of Religions and Comparative Mysticism, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
3 Lecturer , Department of Religions and Comparative Mysticism, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
10.22034/jrr.2025.396111.2113
Abstract
The artifacts, engravings of natural elements, and the existence of ancient rituals in Sistan suggest a deep historical past, which can be considered as a collection of culture, art, and traditions whose historical roots still remain in the geography of this region today. The persistence of the sacred triangle of tree, fire, and stone alongside pilgrimage sites reflects the magical power of these phenomena in the social environment. But how and why has this ritual triangle entered and endured in this region? The answer to this question must be sought in the ancient history of the area. Three factors—migration, the Zoroastrian religion (Behi), and the region's climate—can be considered significant in the traditions prevalent in this geography. The Sistan region, positioned as a central point of communication between the East and West, has been a suitable ground for certain ancient rituals. In this region, on one hand, the tree, as a cosmic phenomenon, has an inseparable connection with spiritual life; on the other hand, fire, as a pure element, plays a symbolic role in the individual and social lives of the people; special stones are also sacred phenomena, endowed with hidden and mysterious power, which can influence the lives of the people in this region.
Keywords
Sistan
tree
fire
stone
ritual
ancient Iran
beliefs
Subjects
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