Saed News: Next, we embark on a journey to the most popular palace of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, nestled in the heart of nature.
According to Saad News' history service, the Shahrestanak Palace in Karaj is one of the most prominent structures from the time of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. It is located in Asara District, near the city of Karaj in Alborz Province. This historical mansion, situated among the winding roads of the Chalous route, is one of the most important tourist attractions of the region and has drawn the attention of many visitors.
The palace's location in the beautiful and lush village of Shahrestanak has enhanced the visual appeal of the building, giving it a distinctive charm. Karaj and Alborz Province offer many sightseeing and tourist opportunities, making visits to these places particularly enjoyable during different seasons. Shahrestanak Palace is one such architectural gem.
History of Shahrestanak Palace
This mansion has a long history and was built during the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar in 1257. The stunning natural beauty of Shahrestanak village led Nasser al-Din Shah to decide to build a summer residence in the end of the Gole Gileh valley in Shahrestanak for leisure and relaxation.
He entrusted this task to a skilled and famous architect of the time, Agha Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, known as the "Master Architect." The construction of Shahrestanak Palace took about three years, and due to its exceptional architectural style, it became one of the most beautiful buildings of the Qajar era.
The palace's grandeur was mostly admired during the Qajar dynasty. However, after the dynasty's fall, it gradually received less attention, leading to the deterioration and damage of various parts of the building, which eventually turned it into a ruin.
Architectural Features
The palace consists of two main sections: the inner and outer quarters, both adorned with beautiful decorations and architecture. The outer courtyard of the mansion is rectangular and has four levels. The entrance door is located on the first level and is semi-circular in design. The outer part of Shahrestanak Palace, or the Nasser al-Din Shah Palace, which consists of two floors, was located on the third level and measures 24 by 12 meters. Unfortunately, the second floor of the palace has been completely destroyed, and no remnants of it remain.
Between the inner and outer quarters, and to the northwest of the palace, a private bathroom was built for Nasser al-Din Shah. The inner section of the palace also had two courtyards on separate levels. The northern courtyard, measuring 24 meters in length and 18 meters in width, was designated for the palace servants, containing 19 rooms in two sections, north and south. The southern courtyard was larger and beautifully designed for the king and his family.
Construction and Decoration
This palace was highly valuable to Nasser al-Din Shah, who ordered beautiful German wallpaper for the walls of the interior. In addition, he instructed that all parts and decorations, including tiling, should be done to the highest standard.
Notable features included the installation of Orsi doors and windows, the use of stained glass, exquisite tile work, and beautiful stucco decorations. Although Shahrestanak Palace was renowned for its beauty during the Qajar era, unfortunately, no traces of these decorations remain today.
In the past, the palace was so impressive that the famous artist Kamal-ol-Molk decided to paint it, so future generations would remember it. This unique painting by Kamal-ol-Molk is currently housed in the Golestan Palace in Tehran, where visitors can view this remarkable artwork.
Due to its distinctive features and unique beauty, Shahrestanak Palace was registered as a national heritage site in 1997, preserving it as a symbol of the Qajar period.
Located in Alborz Province, Karaj County, Chalous, northeast of Amir Kabir Dam, Shahrestanak Palace is somewhat difficult to access, and as a result, it receives less attention compared to other tourist spots.
