PETROLEUM Fire Temple in Baku (Capital of Azerbaijan) Zoroastrian temple of Ateshgah built on an ever-burning fire; due to the abundant presence of natural gas and oil that the earth burns alone. The temple was built to provide a place of rest for pilgrims. As early as the 10th century; various documents testify that there were fire worshipers living around the site. In 1879; when the exploitation of the area's oil resources began; the flames of the temple were considered a waste of resources. Ateshgah was bought by the Baku Oil Company; the flames were extinguished and the site closed to visitors. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colored etching signed G. Hescha MPS; France 1858.