Time freezes in the marvelous historic houses of Isfahan and one wonders where the days and nights go after entering them. Experience comes more alive in a place inhabited by normal people with ordinary lives.
From architecture, to the specific decorations, you can explore the memories of each house you visit in Isfahan. Isfahan’s old houses have emerged as new popular destinations, and for a good reason.
Moshir Almolk Historical House
One of the significant historical houses of Isfahan is Moshir Al-Molk House. It’s been historically significant for many reasons.
History
Let’s flash back to 400 years ago. The Safavid Dynasty have established their reign over Iran, and Isfahan is their capital city. The Moshir Ansari family, trusted and respected treasurers and clerks at the Safavid court, have immigrated to Isfahan from Shiraz. They choose this house for residence. In addition, Mirza Habib Allah Moshir Al-Molk Ansari becomes the governor of Isfahan later in early 20th century.
After housing prominent figures for centuries, the house became the consulate of the Kingdom of Prussia for a while. Afterwards, it was owned by great merchants, and even hosted war refugees, during the Iran-Iraq war.
Architecture
The architecture of the house is a representation of traditional houses of Iran. The entrance of the house is followed by a corridor and chambers that lead to the central courtyard. The rectangular courtyard of the house is centered by a cross-shape small pool. All around the courtyard is covered by buildings and rooms.
The house built on the north side of the yard will immediately claim your attention. It rises for 3 floors, with beautiful stained-glass windows covering its façade entirely. The walls and the roof are covered with exquisite paintings, mirrorwork, and stucco.
Words don’t do justice to the beauty of this house. When in Isfahan go to the following address during the indicated hours, and explore different rooms of the house.
Address
Moshir Al-Molk historical house, Yakhchal Alley, Hatef Street, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
Working hours
Every day (except on national and religious holidays or mourning days)
8 AM – 5 PM
Javaheri Historical House
Another amazing historical house in Isfahan is the Javaheri historical house. The house is located in the historical Dardasht neighborhood of Isfahan, near the Dardasht Bazaar. The house dates back to the Qajar period, around 200 years ago.
Architecture
Like any other historical house, you will find yourself inside a corridor, upon entering the house. If you go ahead, you will see that the corridor leads to a cozy square shape courtyard. The area around the courtyard is covered with trees and flower pots, while the center is occupied by a small square pond. Yes, ponds are almost inseparable from traditional Iranian houses. They play an important role in cooling the temperature, circulating fresh air, and making the environment more pleasant.
All around the courtyard is surrounded by rooms and chambers. On a flight of few steps from the yard, there are eiwans (porches) running around the rooms on the outside. The rooms are decorated with beautiful designs, patterns, and arts.
After exploring the first floor, please take the steps to the second floor. You’re welcome! Don’t be surprised as you will see two beautiful minarets overarching the house in the back. Those are the minarets of Dardasht mosque, neighboring the house.
Today, a number of arts and handicrafts workshops are located in the house, where they work and produce crafts. Nevertheless, you can find the house and explore it as a tourist.
Address
Get ready for tiny and twisting alleys in the old neighborhoods of Isfahan. Here is roughly the address:
Javaheri Historical House, Sheykh Bahaee Street, Fesharaki Alley, Shahid Tavakoli Street, Darb-e Emam Street, Abdolrazagh Street, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
Working Hours
Every day except on Fridays (hours may also vary on Thursdays)
9 AM – 5 PM
Bekhradi’s Historical House
History
The house is located in the historical Sonbalan or Sonbolestan neighborhood, in the north-west of Isfahan. In the past, the neighborhood was in fact one of the villages that were connected to one another and made today’s Isfahan.
Bekhradi’s historical house has become a tourist accommodation. It has not gone a long way from its original use as a caravanserai, built around 400 years ago. Parts of the house have been changed over time due to renovations.
It is also assumed that the house hosted intellectuals for their gatherings and meetings during the Qajarid period. Important decisions are said to have been made here too, especially during the days of the constitutional revolution in Iran. What makes the memories of those days come alive are the pictures and documents you can see in this house.
The house is named after its owner, Morteza Bekhradi, an architect and professor. He spent 5 years to renovate the house and turn it into its current state.
Architecture
Once you enter the house, you will realize the similarity between Bekhradi house and other old houses of the Safavid period. You will see the main porched structure of the house in the northern side of the courtyard. The rooms are located on the eastern and western wings of this eiwan.
The house has been renovated to be used as a traditional accommodation in Isfahan. Even though its decorations are simple, you can find delicate pieces of stained glass and indoor design.
Address
No. 56 Sonbolestan Alley, Shohada Square, Isfahan, Esfahan Iran
Working hours
Bekhradi house is used as a hotel, and is available for bookings yearround.
Mashrouteh House of Isfahan
Now you should be wondering what the name of the house means. No, it’s not the name of the owner, or their job. It can be translated to the Constitution house of Isfahan, and here is why.
History
The house belonged to Haj Agha Noorollah Najafi Esfahani, one of the political leaders of Isfahan. Around 100 years ago, during the time of the constitution revolution of Iran, intellectuals and politicians would gather in his house. They mainly held discussion and consultation sessions. The pictures and documents in the museum of the house will tell you some parts of the story. You can also see the mannequin figures of some of the prominent figures of the time.
Architecture
The house has 2 courtyards, with 12 rooms. You will probably be attracted to an amazing room, covered with colorful stained glass and delicate rose windows. You should take a walk inside. The duet of the sunrays and the colorful pieces of glass create a dreamy atmosphere.
Today, the house consists of 2 parts: the museum, and the cultural center. Meetings and conferences take place at the cultural center.
Address
Mashrouteh House of Isfahan, Street 14, Neshat Avenue, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
Working Hours
Except on Fridays, the house is open everyday
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saraaye Saarotaghi
History
Saro Taghi vas a prudent prime minister of Iran during the Safavid period. Even though he was born in a working-class family, he gradually rose to power because of his hard work and bravery.
During his time as a prime minister, he made notable reforms. However, the rules set by him were not favorable for many courtiers and military men. In a sense, the qualities and decisions that made him suitable for his position, also created enmity and friction.
As a result, he was ruthlessly killed, despite the king’s consent. After this tragic event, the king commanded the killers of Saro Taghi to his presence, and had them murdered at once.
Saro Taghi built 2 mosques, a bazaar, and a caravanserai during his life. The complex is located in a close distance from the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
Architecture
The caravanserai consists of 2 floors and 4 eiwans (porches). Unfortunately, the construction of the caravanserai was not complete at the time of his death. The area consists of one main and large house, together with 2 smaller ones.
Sadly, the caravanserai is mainly being used as a storage house nowadays.
Address
Saraye Sarotaghi, Yakhchal Alley, Hatef Street, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran.
Working Hours
Every day
Motamedi (Mollabashi) Historical House
The historical houses of Isfahan will never fail to surprise you. Take Motamedi (Mollabashi) Historical house for one. In the past, the houses were primarily named after their owners. Also, in the case of wealthy families and influential people an entire street would be named after them. As such, before its current owner, Mr. Motamedi, Haj Mirza Ahmad Mollabashi was the owner of this house.
History
The house dates back to at least the Zandiyeh period, in the 18th century. In Qajar period, it was purchased by Haj Mirza Ahmad Mollabashi, a courtier and prominent intellectual. He also purchased the surrounding houses and the street was named after him. In addition to using the building as his house, he also turned the space into a center for cultural and religious meetings and activity.
Architecture
The house consists of 2 floors. It is mainly made of mudbricks, but plaster, would and tiles are also used to make the house. It consists of 2 houses, with different rooms.
In this historical house, you will see colorful stained glass, delicate stucco, intricate mirror-work, and elaborate designs completed by prominent artists and masters of the time.
In addition to beauty, these decorations have also performed another purpose. As I already mentioned, the house consisted of 2 parts. One section was used by the family as their residence. The environment in this section feels cozier and warmer. While the other section was used for meetings. These rooms have a more formal and cold feeling to them.
Today, the house is open to visitors.
Address
Malek Street, Western Hasht Behest Avenue, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran.
Working Hours
Every day
9:00 AM – 5 PM
Dehdashti House in Isfahan
One of the popular old houses of Isfahan is Dehdashti House. Little is known about the family who used to live in Dehdashti house.
The house, which was built around 200 years ago, during the Qajar period, has been now turned into a café and restaurant. If you are recommended to try Hogo café, then you should come to Dehdashti House. Here you can enjoy your drink or meal at pleasant indoor and outdoor environments.
In addition to this, the house has become a traditional accommodation for tourist. Eight of the houses rooms are available for booking.
Architecture
Built in the Qajar period, the house follows the architectural style of this period. Even though architecture in this era is influenced by western styles of architecture, you can still see the Iranian identity of the structure.
As in any other historical house, a corridor will succeed the entrance and lead you to the main courtyard. In the center of this rectangular courtyard, there is a small pool. The most eye-catching part of the house, is its northern building which rises in 2 floors. You will see a porched structure here, where the roof is supported by four columns on each floor.
Address
Dehdashti House, Street Number 1, Bab Al-Rahme Street, Darvaze Dowlat Square, Isfahan, Esfaha, Iran
Working Hours
Every day
12 PM – 10 PM
Malek Vineyard
Angoorestan-e Malek, or Malek Vineyard, has been played an important role for the people of Isfahan for many years.
History
There is more than 1 narrative about the history of this traditional house in Isfahan. The most common story dates back to the time of Nader Shah Afashar (17th century). Back then a piece of land was taken from the people of Isfahan for the tax that the people were supposed to pay.
Later, during Qajar period, the angurestan became the property of the financial director of Isfahan. Then his heir, Haj Ebrahim Khan known as Malek Al-Tojar ordered the construction of the building in this garden.
The house was used for ta’zieh, a kind of Persian condolence theater for the historical and religious events related to the tragic death of Hussein. It was used to hold the mourning sessions of Ashura too. Also, the house was used to host wedding ceremonies for poor families.
Architecture
The structure of the house in Malek vineyard follows traditional style for Iranian houses, with elaborate decorations. It consists of several parts
Andaruni yard (the yard for the private section of the house), where a roof was added later on in order to host women in ceremonies. Wooden columns hold the wooden roof of this section. The capitals of these columns are decorated with patterns representing Si-o-se Pol Bridge. Also, the blue color of the decorations represents the Zayande Rud river.
Shahneshin (which is usually used to host prominent guests in andaruni) was used to host guests in the winter. Here the owner of the house and his wife have been buried.
The other Shahneshin which was used in the summer. The room is decorated with elaborate stained glass.
Gooshvare rooms, which are located on the sides of the Shahneshin. These rooms were used to host guests as well. The objects of the room, such as the chairs and the table, were brought to Iran by Malek Al-Tojar. The pictures installed on the walls were copied from pictures Malek Al-Tojar brought from abroad as well.
The rooms of the groom and bride were for newlyweds who held their wedding ceremonies there. They used the rooms to get ready for the reception.
Zahra Khanoom’s room belonged to the daughter of Malek Al-Tojar, who stayed in the room for years after her divorce.
The public courtyard which was used by men during ceremonies.
Pas darooni or pool room was used to hold strangers and prominent figures. There is a small pool in the middle of the room.
The basement where food was mainly stored.
Angoorestan-e Malek House is open to the public.
Address
Angoorestan-e Malek House, Sheykh Yousef neighborhood, Malek Street, Shahid Vaghefi Street, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
Working Hours
Every day
9 AM – 2 PM
Sartip Sedehi Historical House
It usually took more than a year for historical houses to be built. But this one is an exception. The house was built by a brigadier general (sartip) from the Sedeh town in Isfahan. Hence the name of the house.
History
It is said that one day Isfahan’s ruler of the Qajarid period, Zel al-Soltan, wished to visit Sedeh, a small city near Isfahan. When brigadier general of Sedeh heard about this, he asked the ruler to give him 2 years’ time to build a suitable accommodation for the ruler. Of course, he was granted the request. As a result, in just one year, the general built a majestic residence like no other. The structure was completed in 1937.
Architecture
The entire building occupies a space of 2350 square meters, and it bears the marks of Qajarid style of architecture. The house was built in a way to use sunlight for lighting up the rooms and keep them warm in the winter, and natural ventilation for cooling them in summer. Additionally, mudbricks and normal bricks are used in the structure of the house.
In addition to the main rooms, the house also has a Howzkhane, where there is a pool in the middle of the center, and a narenjestan, where you can find orange trees. Delicate stucco, mirror work, mirror work, wood carving, elaborate design patterns.
The eiwan or porches of the house cover a considerable area. High rising, carved, marble columns support the roof here. Because of this and the semi-circular arch on top of the entrance, the house looks like the one built in Eram Garden of Shiraz. On top right of the house, there is a small room which was used as a security post.
Address
Sartip Sedehi Historical House, Tohid Boulevard, Khomeyni Shahr County, Esfahan, Iran
Working Hours
Every day
8:00 AM – 2 PM, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Kianpour Historical House in Isfahan
Another Historical House which has become a tourist accommodation in Isfahan is Kianpour Historical House. The house was built during the late Qajarid period, in early 20th century.
The privately owned house, has 6 suites which can accommodate 22 guests.
Architecture
There used to be a gate and sabat (covered passageway) to the house, which were demolished. Today the entrance is directly followed by hashti (a corridor) which leads to the courtyard of the house.
All around the yard is surrounded by rooms. The eastern and western rooms are used in the winter.
The house won’t fail your expectations with its mirror work, stained glass, stucco works, and arabesques.
Address
Kianpour Historical House, Gol-e Davoodi blind alley, Shahid Bohranian Street, Posht-e Baroo Street, Chahar Bagh Payin, Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
Working Hours
Every day
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