The illuminated Motamedi House in Isfahan, With its Wooden Doors, Colorful Glass Windows, and Authentic Iranian Decor, Will Captivate Your Eyes.

History of the Mollah Bashi House in Isfahan

During the reign of Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, he sent his son, Zill al-Sultan, to govern Isfahan. Although he was the son of the Shah, Zill al-Sultan, being born of a non-Qajar mother, could not sit on the throne. This situation led to oppression and severe injustices toward the people of Isfahan, as well as harm to the city's nature. His excessive hunting activities led to the extinction of several animal species, including the Caspian tiger and maral.

Because the atmosphere in Isfahan became chaotic and unsafe due to his actions, the ruling authority sent Mollah Bashi, who lived in Tafresh, to restore peace and security to the city. Mollah Bashi, trusted and also an astrologer for Nasir al-Din Shah, succeeded in bringing stability to Isfahan. He later bought this house in the city and settled there. The house, located in the historic fabric of the city in the Pāqaleh neighborhood, was strategically positioned near other significant houses like the Malek al-Tajjar House and the Haj Aqa Najafi House, which is now known as the Constitutional House. The house became a place for resolving disputes among the people.

Why is the Mollah Bashi House known as Motamedi House?

You may wonder why, despite Mollah Bashi’s residence, this house is commonly referred to as Motamedi House. After many years and damage to the house, it was purchased and restored in 2001 by a man named Motamedi. He beautified the house with antique furniture and his personal belongings, giving it new life. His efforts resulted in the house being listed in the National Heritage Register of Iran in 2002. Therefore, it is only fitting that this house be named after someone who preserved it from destruction. Currently, the house is privately owned and is separate from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.

Architecture of the Mollah Bashi House

Since this house has stood since the Zandi and Safavid periods but became known as Mollah Bashi’s House during the Qajar era, every corner of it reflects different architectural styles from various periods. The initial construction of the house dates back to the Safavid era, but it was also renovated during the Zandi period. This renovation caused some elements of Safavid architecture to be lost, although traces of it still remain in parts of the house. Before Mollah Bashi’s residence, the house had a winter section and two five-door rooms from the Zandi era. However, after Mollah Bashi moved in during the Qajar period, many additions were made, including the Shah Neshin (royal sitting area) and the nine-door room. These two sections, unlike others, have been less altered and remain major attractions for visitors.

Different Sections of the Mollah Bashi House

This beautiful house, which tells countless stories of history, is now used as a hotel for diplomats. The house is built in two stories and has three entrances, with sections for living like the Shah Neshin and summer rooms that showcase beautiful architecture and spaces with magnificent light fixtures to create warmth and intimacy. Additionally, there are service areas like the workroom, with a more enclosed design to reflect the serious nature of work. Other sections include the basement, outer courtyard, and inner courtyard, which we will explore individually.

• Outer Courtyard: Upon entering the house, the first area encountered is the outer courtyard. This part of the house has undergone the most changes and restoration due to damage over time, particularly from natural disasters like acid rain and storms. The stairs that once led to the upper floor and balcony were completely destroyed.

• Workroom: Since Mollah Bashi was a respected elder and trusted figure in the city, people would visit him in his workroom, where he met with them. The house has two workrooms, one of which is located in the western part of the outer courtyard.

• Summer Room: This section dates back to the Zandi period, and you can access it via a beautifully lit hallway. Although much of it has been renovated, a small part of it remains in its original form and is reminiscent of the Zandi era. Notably, there is a sundial in this section, which is a feature of the summer room. As the name suggests, this room was meant for the hot seasons, and it features a pond that cools the room’s air. Interestingly, the pond was also used during special occasions for performances, known as "Ruhouzi" theater.

  

  

  

  

• Shah Neshin: This part is one of the best-preserved and least altered sections of the house. It is the most beautiful and exciting room in the house, attracting many visitors. The room, known as the nine-door room, features ornate stained-glass windows and intricate plasterwork, creating a blend of color and light. The antique furniture, including chandeliers and candelabras, brings life back into this room.

• Basement: Like many other historic houses, the Mollah Bashi House features a basement, which was used to store food and keep it cool. Two basements are present: one from the Qajar period and the other from the Safavid period, both adding a unique feature to the house.

• Inner Courtyard: The inner courtyard, decorated with beautiful paintings from the Zandi era, also shows signs of European influence in its design. The portraits in this area reflect the impact of Western art on Iranian architecture. Here, you can visit the five-door and nine-door rooms. The five-door rooms, similar in beauty to the nine-door rooms, differ architecturally by having two windows above their walls. These windows were used for servants to pass through and allowed women to observe religious ceremonies without being seen by outsiders. Another story suggests that this room was where young couples who were considering marriage would sit and watch each other through the windows. If they liked each other, they would signal their approval, and the elders in the room would cheer for them.