Author(s)

S. Sanaye Goldouz & S. A. Ataie

Abstract

One of the purposes of tourism is to perceive the vital energy of the Earth. The Earth Chakras or the sacred sites are the locations where this energy can be experienced. Takht-e Soleiman (also spelt Soleyman) is one of these sacred sites in Iran. It is an archaeological site located 45 kilometers northeast of the city of Takab in the province of West Azarbaijan. It is a heritage site left from the Sassanid era (226–650 AD). Takht-e Soleiman was not only registered by UNESCO in 2003 as a world heritage site, but also introduced as a sacred site in 1967. Since 2004, many tourists have visited the site each year to perceive the energy. These tourists are referred to as the Energy tourists (also called Spiritual or Vital Energy tourists). In this research, perception of the energy by the Energy tourists visiting the sacred site Takht-e Soleiman was surveyed. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2008. The focus group comprised 200 energy tourists. A questionnaire was presented and 140 tourists participated. After statistical analysis, 111 participants had sensed the energy in Takht-e Soleiman. The tourists explained their perception of the energy in detail. This kind of tourist is a peaceable one and travels to seek healing and to protect the Earth. The development of this kind of tourism will lead to worldwide peace and sodality, besides improving the environmental approach. Keywords: Takht-e Soleiman, Takht-e Soleyman, Earth chakras, the sacred sites, tourism, energy tourism, vital energy tourism, spiritual tourism, subtle energy, vital energy.

Keywords

Takht-e Soleiman, Takht-e Soleyman, Earth chakras, the sacredsites, tourism, energy tourism, vital energy tourism, spiritual tourism, subtleenergy, vital energy