On a dilapidated brick structure in Old Tbilisi in Georgia is mounted a dual language plaque in Georgian and English that reads "Ateshgah — fire temple: As evidenced by the historical sources, due to the Persian presence Zoroastrianism spread in Georgia in the 5th to 7th centuries. The temple seems likely to be built in this period. It is believed that the temple was transformed into a mosque (17th-18th century). However up to the present it has preserved its old name — Ateshgah. It is listed (as a) site of national significance and is protected by the Georgian Law on Cultural Heritage. Conservation works in 2007 were funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Riksantikvaren (Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Affairs) and implemented by ICOMOS (International Council On Monuments and Sites) Georgian National Committee.”
Steep ascent to Ateshgah in Tbilisi; inset: plaque on the wall
Since the site at a considerable height is accessible from the private property of a Russian owner Chito, permission had been sought in advance for the motley group of 10 including three Zoroastrians who were on the Khaki Tours Georgian Getaway to enter the premises. "They were thrilled to see such a unique site…and interact with the caretaker who was very proud of the legacy,” mentioned Bharat Gothoskar, founder of Khaki Heritage Foundation, whose tours to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan too have included Zoroastrian relics.
According to information a local resident shared with tourist Rustom Vakil, the Ateshgah is "a significant historical, architectural and archeological monument at the same time. It is an organic creation of political events that took place in Transcaucasia…. Apparently the temple was constructed during the reign of Stepanoz I in Kartli (590-605 that corresponded to Khosrau II reign in Iran). From historical sources could be concluded that his political and religious orientation was totally Sassanian.”