Towers of Silence
The "Towers of Silence" are traditional burial structures used by the Zoroastrians, an ancient religious group primarily found in Iran and India. These circular, raised platforms are designed to expose the deceased to the elements and scavenging birds, allowing for natural decomposition without polluting the earth, which is considered sacred in their beliefs.
Constructed in remote locations, the towers serve as a practical solution to the Zoroastrian principle of maintaining purity. The practice reflects their views on death and the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of returning the body to nature while avoiding contamination of fire, water, and soil.