Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Istakhrاستخر

es-TAKHR

The ancient royal seat in Pars (near Persepolis).

In the poem: First at B3.5, Kay Qobad Goes to Istakhr of Pars; last at E9.3, The Reign of Guraz, Also Called Farayin
Named: 26 times, in 21 sections
Main stories: D4 Dara and Iskandar (7); D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (7); D8 The Shapur Zul-Aktaf Cycle and Later Early Sasanian Reigns (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Istakhr most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Istakhr. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B3.5

Kay Qobad Goes to Istakhr of Pars

Kay Qobad makes Istakhr in Pars his capital, proclaims a reign of justice and spends ten years touring his realm and building. After a hundred years on the throne he calls his eldest son, Kay Kavus, warns him to be just and not to trust fortune, and dies.

B3.5.2
Istakhr then shone, the seat of Kayanian might,And Kayanian glory crowned its height.

Istakhr named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B10.31

Tus Refuses Allegiance to Kay Khosrow

At Keshvad’s palace in Istakhr the nobles hail Khosrow, but Tus refuses. Proud of his descent from Manuchehr, he calls Khosrow Afrasiab’s seed and backs Fariborz, son of Kavus. Giv argues with him and reports the refusal to Gudarz.

B10.31.1
At Istakhr stood old Keshvad’s palace grand,The nobles prized its splendor through the land.

Istakhr named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.2

Faylaqus Dies and Iskandar Gains the Throne

Iskandar succeeds Faylaqus and takes the sage Arastatilis as his counselor. He refuses Dara’s tribute, calls his legions to cross the world, beats Mesr in eight days, and arms for Iran. Dara musters at Istakhr and lines the Farat with troops.

D4.2.42
From old Istakhr so vast an army spread,Their spears denied the wind a path ahead.

Istakhr named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.6

Iskandar Fights Dara and Dara Flees

A third battle breaks Dara, who withdraws to Kerman. Iskandar enters Istakhr and proclaims protection for all who submit. Dara finds two-thirds of his chiefs gone, and the survivors advise him to write for peace, since the wheel will turn on Iskandar too.

D4.6.4
The Shah made to meet Caesar on the plain,And brought Istakhr’s vast army in his train.
D4.6.12
Iskandar came to Istakhr, pride of Pars,The seat of crowns beneath the circling stars.

Istakhr named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.10

Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran

A messenger brings Iskandar’s terms to Isfahan: he stands in Dara’s place, mourns him, and lays the blood on the murderers. His letter to the Mobadan orders tribute, coins struck in his name, market guards, border watchmen, bondmaids, and honor for holy mendicants.

D4.10.8
Bring all your household goods to Istakhr’s side,And in your kinship with us take fresh pride.
D4.10.51
From Kerman to Istakhr he made his way,And wore the Kayanian crown that day.

Istakhr named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.7

Ardavan Writes to His Son to Capture Ardeshir

Ardavan orders his son Bahman to hunt Ardeshir down in secret. Ardeshir reaches the water, is recognized as Kayanian by the old boatman, and gathers the scattered kin of Babak and Dara. He claims the throne as Esfandiyar’s heir, founds a city, and rides for Istakhr.

D6.7.13
In Istakhr, too, the kin of Babak heard,And glory rose in every heart and word.
D6.7.42
When sunlight crowned the mountain peaks with day,He left for Istakhr, riding on his way.

Istakhr named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.10

Ardeshir Fights the Kurds and Is Defeated

Ardeshir attacks the Kurds, is beaten, and escapes with a handful of men to a shepherds’ fire on a mountain, where he sleeps on his khaftan. Guided down to the villages, he sends word to his court, learns the Kurds think him finished, and picks eleven thousand men.

D6.10.1
From Istakhr’s gates the Shah rode to the field,With mighty troops and many a sword and shield.
D6.10.32
They think you sit in Istakhr, worn and weak,Your aging fortune fading as they speak.”

Istakhr named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D8.1