Mardavij (Mardaviz) was a Zoroastrian commander probably from Tabaristan (today’s Mazandaran) who founded the Zyarid dynasty. In 931, Mardavij defeated the Abbasid Caliph and captured the city of Isfahan. He then made Isfahan his capital and declared himself the king of Iran.

Mardavij was very interested in bringing back Zoroastrianism and the Sassanian culture. In 932, he ordered the celebration of Sadeh in his Court. After three centuries, Isfahan and the rest of Iran celebrated this Zoroastrian Festival.

Four years later in 935, Mardavij was killed by his Turkish slave who fled to Baghdad. Afterwards, the family of Buyids who were at Mardavij’s service took over his reign in Isfahan. While Mardavij’s brother, Vushmgir, succeeded him in Tabaristan.

This brick tower on the right was build for Vushmgir's son, Kavus. The tower which is called Gonbad e Kavus is 160 ft (49 m) high, and it is the tallest brick tower in the world. Gonbad e Kavus is located in Gorgan where Zyarids once ruled.