Zoroastrian Towers of Silence

Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are elevated structures used for funerary rites. In Zoroastrian tradition, exposure of the deceased to natural elements facilitates the return of the body’s elements—earth, fire, and water—to nature, avoiding pollution. Bodies are placed on the tower’s open-air in a process called “sky burial,” where scavenger birds, primarily vultures, consume the remains. This practice underscores respect for purity and ecological balance, reflecting the religion's emphasis on creating harmony within nature. The towers are typically circular and located in isolated areas to facilitate this environmentally attuned approach to handling death.