Rabana-Merquly, an ancient site in Iraqi Kurdistan, may have served as both a fortress and a sanctuary dedicated to the Persian water goddess Anahita. Led by Dr. Michael Brown, archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence suggesting the presence of a worship site, highlighting the site’s historical and religious significance during the Parthian Empire. Ephemeral waterfall with main staircase and wadi .
Besides being a fortress for military use, the ancient mountain settlement of Rabana-Merquly in modern Iraqi Kurdistan could have also been a ‘sanctuary’ dedicated to the ancient Persian water goddess Anahita. Architectural structures by a natural waterfall along with the remains of a possible fire altar point to the existence of a site of worship, according to Dr Michael Brown.
The hypothesis that a possible Anahita shrine is part of the Rabana-Merquly mountain fortress is based mainly on finds of architectural extensions in the natural surroundings of a seasonal waterfall located on the fortress site. The researchers also discovered an altar-like sculpture nearby carved into an escarpment, where offerings or oil may have been burned.