A Description on Decline of City of Estakhr at the Advent of Islam to Iran

At the end of Sasanian Empire and during fourteen years after the death of Khosrow II (Khosrow Parviz) and enthronement of Yazdgird III (last Sasanian King) approximately twelve kings were enthroned. Two of those twelve kings were Khosrow Parviz’s daughters, Pourandokht and Azarmidokht. None of these kings were able to re-organize the situation and they were either killed or dethroned. At such a time, it was difficult to find someone to rule the country.Then a Sasanian prince was introduced as a king. The new king’s name was Yazdgird III. Looking briefly at the history of Sasanian Empire, it becomes evident that the ancient city of Estakhr has been the city for the empire both at the beginning and end of the dynasty. Historical evidence prove that the city of Estakhr had been one of the most important cities of ancient Iran and specially one of the most important centres for Sasanians. This important city lost its splendour after the downfall of the dynasty. Estakhr was occupied after coming of Islam and following that the city was destroyed during the first Islamic years. This article revisits the historical events in this city.