Ghadamgah: the Natural or Carved Human Footprints and its Significance in the Iranian Religious Beliefs before and after the Advent of Islam

Ghadamgahs are sacred places in Iran date back to ancient and historical eras, serving as symbols of Islamic and cultural heritage. Usually, sculpted human footprints at these sites are mostly attributed to the journey across Iran by the Eighth Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza AS (765-818 CE). Ghadamgahs are relatively abundant in southern provinces of Iran, such as Fars, Khuzestan, and Bushehr. In the present study, the footprints of some of Ghadamgahs and their relationships with natural footprints are investigated. Besides, the spatial location of Ghadamgahs with water resources is evaluated. The data were gathered based on the available reports as well as the observation of some footprints in Ghadamgahs. The results show that although the natural footprints of humans have been reported from many parts of the world, the type of rock and the geometry of the footprints in Ghadamgahs are evidence of their handiwork and artificiality. Traces of natural footprints are found in sedimentary rocks or pyroclastic rocks (volcanic ash). Meanwhile, the pedestals installed in Ghadamgahs have also been carved on igneous or metamorphic rocks. However, the role of footprints in Ghadmagah is historically reminiscent of the presence of Imam Reza (AS) and the descendants of Imams are miraculously engraved in stone. Ghadamgahs in Iran are often built near springs and water sources and are somewhat associated with the sanctity of water in Iran. Keeping water clean in Iran is associated with ritual approaches and historical-religious beliefs, and the construction of Ghadamgahs shows the efforts of Iranians in this direction.