Abstract
This research examines the relationship between the spatial configuration of architecture and the socio-religious rituals of the Elamites at the Chogha Zanbil site. By studying historical and archaeological evidence, particularly the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat and its surrounding spaces, this study seeks to reveal how the beliefs and convictions of the Elamites influenced the design and construction of this vast religious complex. The main research questions include:
 1- What rituals did the Elamite people participate in upon entering the precinct of the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat?
2- What similarities and differences existed between the architectural spaces designed for the performance of religious rituals by courtiers and common people?
 3- How are the Elamites' beliefs about the afterlife reflected in the design of the tomb spaces at Chogha Zanbil, based on their architecture?
The research method is descriptive-analytical, and the data were collected through documentary-library studies and field studies of the remaining of the ziggurat. The findings of the research show that the spatial configuration of Chogha Zanbil, including the courtyards, gates, access routes, and temples, was directly related to the rituals and religious ceremonies of the Elamites. Furthermore, differences can be observed in the spaces allocated to courtiers and ordinary people, which indicates social and class distinctions in the performance of religious rituals. In addition, the architecture of the underground tombs of Chogha Zanbil depicts the Elamites' belief in life after death and the needs of the dead in the afterlife.
1. Introduction
The ancient site of Chogha Zanbil is a magnificent legacy of the Elamite civilization, built around 1250 BC by order of Untash-Gal, the Elamite king. This complex includes a ziggurat, temples, palaces, and underground tombs, all of which were designed and built with special care and elegance. The purpose of constructing this complex was to create a space for performing religious rituals and honoring the Elamite gods.
2. Background of the Research
Numerous studies have been conducted in the field of architecture and archeology of Chogha Zanbil, but fewer studies have examined the relationship between spatial configuration and religious rituals of the Elamites. In this research, an attempt has been made to achieve a better understanding of how the beliefs and convictions of the Elamites influenced the architecture of this complex by carefully examining the various spaces of Chogha Zanbil and analyzing texts and archaeological evidence.
3. Research Methodology
This research was conducted in a descriptive-analytical method. The required information was collected through library studies and field studies of the Chogha Zanbil site. In the library studies section, historical and archaeological sources related to the Elamite civilization and the Chogha Zanbil site were studied. In the field study section, the آثار remaining from the ziggurat, temples, palaces, and underground tombs were examined and analyzed.
4. Findings and Discussion
The research findings show that the spatial configuration of Chogha Zanbil, including the courtyards, gates, access routes, and temples, was directly related to the rituals and religious ceremonies of the Elamites. For example, the vast courtyards around the ziggurat were designed to hold processions and gatherings of pilgrims. The large and magnificent gates were a symbol of the power and greatness of the Elamite kingdom, as well as a way to enter the sacred space of the ziggurat.
The specific access routes guided the pilgrims towards the temples and special spaces.
Also, in the architecture of Chogha Zanbil, differences can be observed in the spaces allocated to the courtiers and ordinary people. For example, the royal gate and some special temples were probably intended for the use of courtiers and high-ranking officials, while ordinary people used other gates and more public spaces to perform religious rituals.
In addition, the architecture of the underground tombs of Chogha Zanbil depicts the Elamites' belief in life after death and the needs of the dead in the afterlife. The existence of water channels next to the tombs indicates the importance of water in the Elamites' beliefs, and probably for the purification of the dead or the performance of special ceremonies. Placing objects such as clay pots, water, and food in the tombs shows that the Elamites believed that the dead would need these items in the afterlife.
5. Conclusion
In general, the present research shows that the spatial configuration of the architecture of Chogha Zanbil was a reflection of the beliefs, convictions, and socio-religious rituals of the Elamites. The careful and intelligent design of this vast religious complex was such that it facilitated the performance of religious rituals and enhanced the spiritual experience of the pilgrims. Also, the differences in the spaces allocated to different strata of society indicate the existence of social and class distinctions in the performance of religious rituals in the Elamite civilization.