The Shahid Modarres House Museum is one of the most important and enriching historical and cultural attractions in Tehran, located in the Oudlajan neighborhood. This house, which was the residence of Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, a prominent and combative Iranian figure, is now operated as a cultural and historical museum showcasing his life and struggles. Martyr Modarres, as one of the prominent figures in contemporary Iranian history, played an important role in Iran’s political history through his tireless struggle against dictatorship and tyranny during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi.
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Modarres House Museum and its History of Formation
The Modarres House Museum is one of the remnants of Iran’s tumultuous history, where the traces of revolutionary struggles of that era can still be observed on the structure of this building. Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres was born in 1870 (1249 AH) in the village of Sarabeh Kacho, a subdivision of Ardestan city. Through religious and scientific studies in seminaries, he became one of the greatest religious authorities and prominent figures in contemporary Iranian history. Among Modarres’s most important traits were his courage and integrity in confronting the monarchy of Reza Shah, which led to his martyrdom by Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1937 (1316 AH).
During Modarres’s lifetime, this house was his residence and that of his family. In recent years, it has been introduced to the public as a house museum. This museum has been prepared for public visits in order to preserve the memory of Ayatollah Modarres and present documents and evidence related to his life.
Modarres House Museum, From Past to Present
The house of Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, which is now known as the Shahid Modarres House Museum, dates back to the Qajar period. The house was built in the historical Oudlajan neighborhood of Tehran, and it appears that its construction was in the late 19th or early 20th century (Qajar Era). At that time, this house was the residence of Ayatollah Modarres and his family. It featured many aspects of traditional Iranian architecture like a central courtyard, verandas (iwans), and large rooms with special decorations.
Ayatollah Modarres chose this house as his residence during his political and religious activities. He lived in this house until 1937 (1316 AH), when he was martyred. After many years, during the Islamic Republic of Iran, this house was transformed into a museum to showcase the life and struggles of this great figure so that his memory would be preserved for future generations.
Address and Access to the Modarres House Museum
The Modarres House Museum is located on East Amir Kabir Street, Shahid Javidi Alley (Mirza Mahmoud Vaziri), Modarres Dead End. The nearest metro station is Shush Metro Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Also, buses and taxis provide easy access to the museum from all parts of the city.
Architecture and Features of the Modarres House Museum
The Martyr Modarres House Museum is built in the style of a traditional Iranian house with a central courtyard. The building has two courtyards, one of which is used as the main courtyard and the other as a smaller courtyard. The architectural features of this house include the use of various Iranian arts such as stucco work, brickwork, fretwork (gereh-chini), and murals, all of which enhance the beauty of the building.
The building has three entrances, allowing access to different parts of the house. The various sections include living rooms, a study, and meeting rooms, all of which are furnished with objects and documents related to the daily life of Ayatollah Modarres. The ceilings of the house are designed to be flat and many parts of the house are decorated with beautiful Iranian tilework. The architecture is traditional and Iranian, reflecting the architectural characteristics of the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods. Let’s delve a little deeper into the architecture of this house.
Central Courtyard: Like most Iranian houses, the Modarres House has a central courtyard located in the center of the building. This courtyard serves as the heart of the house, with various spaces designed around it. The central courtyard is usually a place for rest and daily activities, creating a peaceful and pleasant space.
Rooms and Interior Spaces: The Martyr Modarres House has numerous rooms, some of which were used for daily life and others for entertaining guests. In the architecture of this house, tall porches and doorways are used to create ventilation and natural light. The rooms are often designed with large lattice windows (orosi) that open to the courtyard.
Interior Decorations: Inside the house, traditional Iranian artistic decorations such as delicate stucco work, murals, and colorful tile work are used. These decorations create a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere inside the house.
Ceilings and Porches: The ceilings of the house are mostly flat, and artistic stucco work is used to decorate some sections. Porches are located at the front of the house and around the courtyard, serving as a place to relax and converse in the open air.
Use of Traditional Materials: In the Modarres House, traditional and natural materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stone, and tiles were used for construction and decoration. These materials were suitable not only in terms of aesthetics but also for adapting to the climatic conditions of Tehran at that time.
Four-Iwan Structure: Traditional Iranian houses usually have a four-iwan structure, which can also be seen in this house. These four iwans are representative of the unique architectural style of traditional Iranian houses, where different spaces are divided in a way that creates a sense of comfort and relaxation for the residents.
The architecture of the Martyr Modarres House, while preserving traditional Iranian principles, is a combination of aesthetics and functionality that well met the needs of its residents at the time. Given the history and importance of Ayatollah Modarres, this house has been maintained as a museum and has been fully preserved and restored so that visitors can better understand his fight through an authentic space.
Sections of the Modarres House Museum
The Modarres House Museum is generally divided into several different sections, which we will explore below:
Living Quarters: These sections include Ayatollah Modarres’ personal rooms, his study, and meeting rooms. They contain various personal belongings of Modarres, such as his bed, writing desk, and books.
Documents Gallery: This section displays a collection of historical documents and records, including letters, photographs, and official documents related to Ayatollah Modarres’ political and social activities. These documents illustrate Modarres’ resilient and courageous character in the face of the oppression and corruption of the Pahlavi regime.
Library: The museum’s library houses a collection of books and historical resources related to contemporary Iranian history and the activities of Ayatollah Modarres. This section is considered a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in contemporary Iranian history.
Statues and Sculptures: Throughout the museum, statues of Ayatollah Modarres and other historical figures related to his life are displayed, which are considered important features of the museum.
Visiting Hours for the Modarres House Museum
The Shahid Modarres House Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on holidays and Saturdays. This museum has become a popular cultural attraction for many domestic and international tourists.
Important Notes When Visiting the Modarres House Museum
Visiting this museum is highly recommended, especially for those interested in contemporary Iranian history and prominent political and religious figures. In addition to being a place for sightseeing, the Modarres House Museum is also a suitable location for conducting historical research and religious studies.
Furthermore, due to the historical and cultural significance of the location, many researchers and students of history and social sciences visit the museum every day.
The Modarres House Museum in Tehran, as Told Through Words
The Modarres House Museum is not just a place to become familiar with Iranian history and culture; it is also a place to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices of one of the greatest figures in contemporary Iranian history. Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, with his courage and honesty, stood up against tyranny and dictatorship, and fought for the freedom and rights of the people. Visiting this museum is an opportunity for new generations to become acquainted with this national hero and to understand the importance of resistance against oppression. With the artifacts and documents found in the Shahid Modarres House Museum, not only is Iranian history brought to life, but the spirit of sacrifice and devotion remains in the hearts of every visitor. By preserving its historical identity, this place stands in the heart of Tehran as a symbol of Ayatollah Modarres’ tireless struggles and will keep his memory alive for future generations.
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FAQ
What is the Modarres House Museum?
The Modarres House Museum is a historical house in Tehran that once belonged to Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, a prominent Iranian cleric and political figure. The house has been restored and converted into a museum to showcase his life, work, and the historical period he lived in.
Who was Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres?
Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres was a significant figure in Iranian history during the constitutional era and the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. He was a renowned cleric, a courageous parliamentarian, and a vocal critic of foreign influence and autocracy. He is remembered for his integrity, intellectual prowess, and nationalist views.