atash

Atash (Persian: آتش) is the Persian word for fire. The term is used broadly in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities to denote flame, heat, and embers. It is derived from older Iranian linguistic roots related to the concept of fire, reflecting a long-standing cultural association with flame in the region.

In religious and cultural contexts, fire holds significant symbolic value. In Zoroastrianism, fire is a sacred element maintained in fire temples. These places of worship are often referred to as fire temples or, in Persian, Atashgah. A special rank of sacred fire, the Atash Behram, represents one of the highest ceremonial flames. Fire is used in rituals, ceremonies, and daily practices as a symbol of purity, light, and divine presence.

Beyond religious contexts, Atash also appears in everyday usage as a personal name or surname in Iran and in Persian-speaking communities. It occurs in various geographic names and toponyms, sometimes reflecting historical associations with fire or with the symbolic meanings of warmth and illumination.

Overall, Atash serves as both a common noun in the Persian language and a cultural marker tied to the enduring symbolism of fire in Iranian history and practice.