The Way for the Atashban Family 1

February 20th, 1658

The province of Hamedan, Safavid Empire

A large house with unique architecture stood on top of a hill on the outskirts of Hamedan City. The house, unlike all the other buildings in the Safavid empire, did not appear to be inspired by Arabic designs. Instead, its architecture reflected something more ancient and archaic.

Painted on the large house, which was more of a fortress and a castle, a symbol of a winged figure—interpreted as a divine spirit—was depicted. The image was undoubtedly the symbol of faravahar, associated with the faith of Zoroastrianism.

Atop the castle, a flag flew in colours of white and orange, where the flag depicted a divine flame covered with light. It was the flag of the Atashban family, one of the last remaining and currently the most prominent Persian Zoroastrian families within the Safavid Empire.

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