One of the noticeable and important buildings of Kermanshah is its large and ancient market (bazaar), and its primary structure is related to the Qajar period. This bazaar is adorned in a splendor style. The goods available here are: local colored apparel, handicrafts like: giveh (a local foot-ware), shoes, carpet, Kilim, wooden kitchenware, leather and felt and hand-woven articles.
Other Engravings and Inscriptions, Kermanshah
Small Bistoon inscriptions, no. 1 Bistoon inscription (related to primary Islamic centuries), no. 2 Bistoon inscription placed in the old caravansary of Bistoon (related to 3rd and 4th centuries AH.), no. 3 Bistoon inscription on sculptured stones in old Bistoon caravansary's wall, a piece of limestone and a lion stone in Bistoon (related to the 2nd milllenium BC.), the Parthian Valgash Inscription on the skirts of the Bistoon Mountains (related to he Parthian era), an engraved platform a rock in Bistoon (of the Parthian age), an inscription pertaining to the endowments of Sheikh Ali Khan Zanganeh on Bistoon rock (related to Safavid era), and the Gerech Arch in Islam Abad Qarb (related to the Sassanide period)
Taq-e-Bostan Engraving, Kermanshah
The "Taq-e-Bostan" (Bostan Arch) or "Taq-e-Vostan" (Vostan Arch) is situated to the right of the city entrance of Kermanshah, and is to the north east of this city. This aggregate which comprises of engravings and epigraphs is related to the Sassanide era. The same is located in the mountain, and together with the natural surroundings, a gorgeous landscape comes into view. On entering this area, the first epigraph is related to Ardeshir II. Ardeshir stands between Ahoura Mazda and Mitra. His face turned towards Ahoura Mazda, and his left hand receiving a wreath of friendship from Ahoura Mazda. Under their feet lies the enemy or "Ahriman".
Under the Achaemanian inscription of Bistoon, is the archaic embossment of the Parthian that has come to light to date. The same is an engraving of 100 years BC. The same has come to reveal that the Parthian ruler of the time, selected the location of this impression in such a manner so as to make a distinct mark between the Parthian and the Achaemenian eras. As regards artistic measures, the said shows no sign of movement or technique, the latter is moreover primary. Those who are named in this inscription are recorded in the Latin or Greek script.
Pahlavi Script Inscriptions, Bistoon
Throughout Bistoon and its surroundings, wherever a sculptured stone or structure is present, scripts dating to the Sassanide era can be noted. Such as the 427 symbols engraved on stones in vicinities like the Safavid caravansary of Bistoon, the Safavid bridge on Dinvar Ab, the Khosravi bridge on Garmasiab, the caravansary edifice of Bistoon and the engravings on the rocks scattered in various sections of Bistoon. These symbols are similar to that of households, names of certain personalities, on even workshops (foundries) who were responsible for these sculptured effects.
Herkool Statue, Bistoon
Alongside the Bistoon - Kermanshah Road, is an embossment of a heroic figure leaning against a piece of lion skin. This embossment shows a completely naked and powerful man with curly hair and beard. He is leaning on his left side under the shelter of a tree. To its left hand side a cup is seen. In this impression, the right hand of the figure is placed on the right foot, whereas the left foot leans on the right one. The length of this statue is 147 cm. Behind the said statue, inscriptions and images can be observed in the ancient Latin or Greek script.
To the south of the engraving of Dariush the Great, in the Bistoon Mountains, is a gigantic engraved rampart or wall, reputedly known as Faratash and Takht-e-Farhad by the inhabitants. It is said that the same was engraved by a decree issued by Khosrow Sassanide II approximately a millennium after the reign of Dariush. The inhabitants of this vicinity believe that the above mentioned engravings belong to Farhad (the sculpture or stone culture in this mountain).
The above mentioned is a crypt in the breast of a mountain, and is located 3 km. to the south east of Sar Pol-e-Zahab. This engraving reveals the face of a man, with a date leaf in his hands, probably in a state of worship. This crypt and its epigraph is related to the Medes.
Dariush Inscriptions, Bistoon Rock
The above mentioned is an embossment on a rock, and the main feature depicted here is that of Dariush (Dariush). The monarch has a scalloped crown on the head, and his left foot rests on the chest of Geomat. Behind him are two bodyguards. Above the head of Dariush is the image of Farvahar in flight. Farvahar carries a circular band in the left hand, which is the sign of sovereignty. The same is offered as a token to Dariush. Facing Dariush are 90 rebels (of jurisdictions under the power of the sovereign).
The primary scientific studies regarding the engravements and inscriptions of Bistoon were made in 1835, by Henry Rawlinson, a young British officer. After which this research was carried on by several scientists who added their discoveries to this historical treasure. The text of this inscription was engraved in the breast of the mountain in 522 BC. by a decree from Dariush. The same relates to the war which lasted for two and a half years, between him and his opponents in order to gain power.
To the east of the Miteridat embossment, on the same rock, is the engraving of one of his successors named as, Goodarz II (46-51 AD.). This Impression depicts the victory of Goodarz II on his rival Mehrdad, and also shows the presence of two riders armed with spears. In the hand of an angel is a wreath of flowers, which is a sign of victory.
In the vicinity of Sar Pol-e-Zahab, there is an Anubanini impression engraved in the breast of a rock. The same is alongside an inscription written in Akadi script and this relic is present even up to this date. The two embossments of this rock are related to 2800 years BC., engraved in the breast of the a mountain reaching an elevation of 35 m. high., and it is attributed to Semitic monarch known as "Anubanini".
The other fire temples of the province are as follows: Kaikavoos rock tomb in north Sahneh, related to the Medes and the Medes platform in Bistoon related to the first millennium BC.
Parthian Temple, Bistoon
To the north of the Dariush engraving in Bistoon, are the remnants of a structure from the Parthian period. The same is a temple or a worshiping site built during the Parthian period, coinciding with the construction of another relic in Bistoon. This Parthian temple which is situated opposite the slab of Parthian impressions, comprises of two platforms.
This large rectangular shaped crypt is a historical remnant in the city of Sonqor, from the times of the Meads. The outstanding features of the same are its impression and guide lines of Ahoura Mazda, that is a sun with wings displayed on the facade of the crypt.
Chahar Qapoo Fire Temple, Qasr-e-Shirin
The same is a historical monument of the Sassanide era in Qasr-e-Shirin. It was constructed of stone and gypsum and was counted as one of the largest fire temples of the Sassanid period. The fire temple has a square shaped chamber in the center with a domed ceiling, which closely resembles the other fire temples of the period. The width of the main opening of this fire temple is over 16m.
Anahita Temple, Kangavar
In Kangavar, on an elevated rocky platform, is the remnants of a majestic structure. The same belongs to the pre-Islamic era and was known as Anahita. The name of this temple is depicted from Anahita (Nahid) who was a deity and gaurd angel of water, abundance and blessing. Some believe that the structure dates back to the Parthian era, whilst upon this relic the evidences of this period and the early Islamic era can also be noted. According to scientific researches, the architectural characteristics of this temple have acquired inspiration from that of the Achaemenian age.
