From Mujkan Gate in Hulwan to Sarmaj Castle in Hersin (Etymology of the word “Maj” and a Suggestion for the Appellation of Two Ancient Toponyms in the West of Iran)
Document Type : Promotional article
Author
PhD in Archeology, University of Tehran
Abstract
Relying on historical-descriptive and field methods, the present study examines the concept and roots of the word “maj” in two ancient toponyms in the west of Iran in Kermanshah province. Sarmaj is the name of a village in Hersin County near Behistun. In spite of its great archeological and historical significance, the etymology of the name of this village is not clear. Apparently, the Arabicized word “maj” in the early Islamic texts, which still exists in the Kurdish language as mazh (mɒʒ),is rooted in terms “maghu” and “magu” in ancient Avestan and Parsi languages. This word later appeared as “mogh” and “majus” in Persian and Arabic, respectively. Based on some morphological and historical proofs, the author believes that the name of this village and the name of the ancient gate or neighborhood of Majkan in the historical town
of Hulwan (the present sarpol-e Zahab) were used during the early Islamic period by those who had newly converted to Islam to refer to the advocates of earlier religions (Zoroastrianism or Mithraism) and their residing areas.
of Hulwan (the present sarpol-e Zahab) were used during the early Islamic period by those who had newly converted to Islam to refer to the advocates of earlier religions (Zoroastrianism or Mithraism) and their residing areas.
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