What else can we say about Shiraz, the city of knowledge and literature, that hasn’t been said before about its natural and historical attractions? This incredibly beautiful city seems to have been destined to be beautiful and remains so since ancient times when its foundations were laid. In this captivating city, every corner holds an attraction that pulls people from all over and captivates their eyes with its beauty and charm. Among these manifestations of beauty are the historical houses of Shiraz, which we highly recommend visiting for anyone traveling to this city. Therefore, today at Eligasht we would like to introduce you to the Shiraz historical houses in detail. So, stay with us for more.
Begin your journey at Zinat Al-Molk House, the house of the daughter of the Qavam family!
The first historical house we want to introduce among the Shiraz historical houses is Zinat Al-Molk House. Construction of this historical house began in 1871 by the order of Mohammad Khan Qavam Al-Molk II and was completed 12 years later in 1884. Today, this Qajari house is one of the most famous old houses in the city, with its basement housing the Fars Celebrities Museum, featuring statues and sculptures of famous figures.
Inside this beautiful house, you can observe paintings on various themes such as birds, flowers, and animals adorning its walls. This historical house was registered as a national heritage site in 1975.
There is an interesting story about the name of this building. Zinat al-Molk Qavami, the fourth daughter of Qavam al-Molk, lived in this house, which is only a street away from her father’s house, Qavam Mansion. Because of this, this place is called Zinat al-Molk’s House.
It’s interesting to know that there was also an underground passage from Zinat al-Molk’s House to Qavam Mansion, which was used by family members for commuting.
One of the extraordinary features of Zinat al-Molk’s House in Shiraz is the beautiful reflection of light in the mirrors, especially during times when sunlight shines into the hall. The unique beauty resulting from the blend of exceptional architecture and the reflection of light in the mirrors speaks for itself!
Address: Qavam Garden, Lutf Ali Khan Zand Street, Shiraz, Fars Province.
Qavam House (Naranjestan-e Ghavam)
One of the most iconic Shiraz historical houses is the Qavam House, also known as Naranjestan-e Ghavam. This magnificent mansion, built during the Qajar era, is renowned for its stunning architecture and exquisite design. The house features intricate mirror work, colorful stained glass windows, and beautifully painted ceilings, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the time.
Visitors can explore the various rooms, including the reception hall, private quarters, and tranquil gardens, which are adorned with orange trees and fragrant flowers. This 19th-century mansion showcases a harmonious blend of Persian and European architectural styles. The house features stunning stained glass windows, delicate wooden latticework, and intricately painted ceilings. The garden surrounding the house is adorned with orange trees, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can explore the various rooms and immerse themselves in the elegance and splendor of a bygone era.
Address: Fars Province, Shiraz, Lotf Ali Khan Zand St,
Saber House: A House that Rises to the Heights of Shiraz’s History
Another historical house we want to introduce to you among Shiraz historical houses is the Saber House. This house, which has now been converted into a museum, is one of the historical artifacts that have remained from the period before the Qajar rule in Shiraz.
When we say that this house has a long history in Shiraz, it is not just a descriptive and exaggerated title for this house; we must introduce Saber House as the oldest historical house in Shiraz. This house was built during the Zand dynasty for a Shirazi merchant named Hasan Ali Saber Sangari. At that time, a new type of architecture called “Yazdibook” was used to construct this house.
One of the remarkable architectural features of this old and highly historical house is that its plastering and ornamentations were meticulously done under the personal supervision of Mr. Hasan Ali Saber Sangari himself. In a word, it is unparalleled! Saber House was registered as a national heritage in 2003.
Address: No. 62, God’s Alley, Sarbagh Neighborhood, Shiraz, Fars Province.
Saadat Home: A Place to Fall in Love with Shiraz Again!
If you have ever been to Shiraz, you may have come across Saadat Home, also known as Khaneh-ye Khatam, while visiting the historical sites of this city. This house, which is one of the historical houses in Shiraz, is located next to the mausoleum of Ibn Sina, who was one of the greatest Iranian scholars in the field of Arabic grammar.
The neighborhood where Saadat Home is situated is called the Sang Siyah (Black Stone) neighborhood, which has further contributed to the popularity of this house. This house also dates back to the Qajar period and was registered as a national heritage in 2003.
However, two years later, in 2006, to prevent this beautiful house from being forgotten, it was transformed into the Khaneh-ye Khatam Museum, which is also known as Saadat Home. Today, it is considered one of the historical houses of Shiraz.
One of the architectural features of this historical house is its plastered columns and stone carvings. Alongside these characteristics, we should mention the presence of wooden ceilings, tile works, stone carvings, and beautiful brickwork in this house.
Address: Sang Siyah Passage, Dastgheib Street, Old Texture of Shiraz, Fars Province, in front of the mausoleum of Ibn Sina.
A Visit to Forough Al Molk House, Where Contemporary Art Comes to Life!
Another house we would like to introduce among Shiraz historical houses is Forough Al Molk House. This beautiful and historical house is also known as the Meshkinfam Museum. It was built in 1310 by the famous son-in-law of Qavam, Mr. Forough Al Molk Qavami. The land allocated for the construction of this house has an area of 1020 square meters.
When Forough Al Molk decided to build this house, he intended to create a residential building, and he never imagined that his home, which was once a refuge for intellectuals and people from all walks of life, would now be transformed into a museum. This historical building includes a guardhouse, a kitchen, a Shah Neshin (a special room for receiving guests), interior and exterior areas, a pool house, a bathhouse, and many other sections.
Forough Al Molk House is a three-story building with a basement. In the northern and southern parts of this mansion, there are two pentagonal rooms. The Shah Neshin of the building is connected to the interior of the house through an octagonal pool. The ceilings of this house feature designs in the Zand era style. This historical house was registered as a national heritage in 1998 and is among Shiraz’s historical houses.
Forough Al Molk House is used to showcase and display the artworks of the Meshkinfam family in three generations, as well as the works of other artists from Fars Province. Some of the exhibited works in this museum have been donated by the artists themselves to this collection.
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Currently, this historical building has various sections that make it a complete contemporary art museum in the eyes of any visitor. For example, we can mention the library and the shop that exist in Forough Al Molk House, where they provide you with anything related to their field of expertise and offer it to you.
Address: Fars Province, Shiraz, Old Texture, near the mausoleum of Bibi Dokhtaran.
Manteghi Nejad House | A Combination of Everything You Should See in Old and Elegant Houses!
Manteghi Nejad House is a historical and aristocratic house located near the bazaar of Shiraz and Shah Cheragh Shrine. Today, this beautifully preserved historical house serves as the Museum of Islamic Arts. The origins of this house date back to the Qajar era, and it reflects the architectural style and features of that time, with paintings on its walls and ceilings. However, one should not overlook the mirrors in this historical building. Some of the paintings on the walls of this house depict European-style houses alongside floral and geometric patterns.
Address: Fars Province, Shiraz, between Namazi Square and Sardzak, next to Shah Cheragh Shrine, Manteghi Nejad House.
Ziaeian House | The Enchanting Rainbow of Shiraz!
Ziaeian House is another house in the collection of historical houses in Shiraz, whose construction dates back to the Qajar era, like many other houses. This historical house was registered as a national heritage in 1357 (Iranian calendar).
An interesting aspect of Ziaeian House is that, besides its long history, it was the residence of one of the most famous Shirazi families called Ziaeian, which has made it widely known. This famous house doesn’t boast unique and distinct decorations or different plasterwork, but the simple yet beautiful tilework alone may carry the entire burden of the beauty of this complex. The special and beautiful tilework has made Ziaeian House in Shiraz known as the Art Center of Shiraz for several years, and visiting it is open to the public and free of charge.
Currently, various workshops on traditional arts are held in this art center, which we introduce to you as Ziaeian House. Please note that this complex may currently be under restoration and reconstruction, so it may not be possible for you to visit it.
Address: Fars Province, Shiraz, Lotfali Khan Zand Street, west side of Narenjestan-e Ghavam.
Tavakoli House, Step by Step with Colorful Tiles!
Tavakoli House is one of the Shiraz historical houses that should be mentioned in this article. This house, like other historical buildings and houses in Shiraz, belongs to the Qajar era. The house has a central courtyard with a mansion on each of its four sides.
The beautiful wooden decorations, lion sculptures, ceilings, doors, colorful tilework, and brickwork are some of the elements that have contributed to the beauty of this building. This historical structure was registered as a national heritage in 2000.
Address: Fars Province, Shiraz, Old Araban Neighborhood, Lotfali Khan Zand Street, Alley 184, Tavakoli House.
A Tour of the World of Historical Houses in Shiraz
In conclusion, it must be said that the history of Shiraz is so rich and abundant that it is impossible to capture even a fraction of its beauty by putting millions of words together! One of the main characteristics of old and traditional houses in Shiraz is the combination of introversion and extroversion, where these features come together to create some of the most meaningful and certainly richest examples of Iranian architectural heritage.
The most important element that can be commonly seen in these houses is the courtyard, which even in modern architecture and urban planning in Shiraz still holds significance. Most of these old and historical houses have courtyards designed in a way that the only characteristic connecting you and the outside is the eight-sided house (Hashti). Most of these houses are two-story and have a lower level below the ground level, serving as a basement.
FAQ
1- What are some famous historical houses in Shiraz?
Some famous Shiraz historical houses include Manteghi Nejad House, Ziaeian House, Tavakoli House, Narenjestan-e Ghavam.
2- What is the architectural style of these historical houses?
The Shiraz historical houses exhibit a blend of Persian and Islamic architectural styles. They often feature exquisite tile work, beautiful gardens, spacious courtyards, and elaborate interior decorations. The intricate plasterwork, stained glass windows, and traditional Persian elements make the architectural style of these houses truly unique.
3- Can visitors explore the interior of these historical houses?
Yes, visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of many historical houses in Shiraz. While some sections may be restricted for preservation purposes, most houses have designated areas that are open to the public. This allows visitors to appreciate the architectural beauty and experience the cultural ambiance of these historical sites.