If you are thinking of visiting Iran, make sure to include Kashan in your plans. Of many is the mind-blowing Borujerdi House, an example of pure traditional Iranian architectural brilliance.
From 1875, this fine example of Qajar style and craftsmanship, Borujerdi House, is a treasure and testament to another era.
Enter in, and be prepared to be surrounded by such extravagance and detail of minutiae.
Whether you are fond of architecture, intrigued by history, or simply like beauty at its peak, visiting Borujerdi House must ensure an unforgettable experience in the marvels of culture.
Let us walk you through this breathtaking monument and show you everything there is to see.
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Contents
Where is the Borujerdi House?
The Borujerdi House is one of Kashan‘s most historic and spectacular buildings. It is the perfection of Iranian traditional architecture and captures the grand and splendid appearance of all who view it. The historical building lies in the southeast part of Kashan. The house can be visited on Alavi Street in Kashan’s Sultan Amir Ahmad neighborhood.
the Borujerdi House, an overview
Based on inscriptions around its main hall, construction of the Borujerdi House began in 1875 AD (1292 AH), taking 18 years to complete until 1310 AH.
This house is considered one of the most exquisite historical works of the Qajar era in design, architecture, antiquity, decorative paintings, and plasterwork.
The splendor and importance of the Borujerdi House are to the extent that its wind towers have become a symbol of the city of Kashan. Striking artistic works, artistic paintings, and colorful tilework are other unique features of the Borujerdi House, and more than 150 plaster workers, builders, and mirror workers collaborated in its construction and decoration.
Until today, various restorations have been carried out on different building parts. Strengthening a large part of the house and stabilizing the paintings have been part of these restorations by the Kashan Cultural Heritage Organization experts.
National Heritage registration
The Borujerdi House is registered as number 1083 in Iran’s National Heritage List, dated June 4, 1966. In 2014 and 2015, after visiting Kashan city and this house, the UNESCO General Conference President introduced it as the most beautiful historical house in Asia, praising its extraordinary architecture and design harmony that make it a top tourist attraction recommended by UNESCO.
History of the Borujerdi House
The Borujerdi House has a beautiful history. In the late 13th century AH, Seyyed Hassan Natanzi fell in love with the daughter of Seyyed Jafar Tabatabai and proposed to her. Seyyed Jafar Tabatabai, one of the most significant carpet merchants living in a beautiful House, proposed a condition for accepting the marriage. He asked Seyyed Hassan to build a house worthy of his daughter’s status and similar to his own. Seyyed Hassan accepted the condition, and the architecture of this building was entrusted to Master Ali Kashani.
It is important to note that though Seyyed Hassan Natanzi came from Kashan, as he conducted much of his business in Borujerd, he became widely known there as Borujerdi – thus the name of this historic home, the Borujerdi House.
Architecture of the Borujerdi Historic House
Spread over 1,700 square meters, the Borujerdi House retains 1,000 square meters of built space within its walls. It stands two floors tall, though the southern wing extends further with an additional level and a basement. Above the main hall of the house, there is a domed roof. This design and appearance of the Borujerdi House have led to comparisons with the buildings constructed by Gaudí in Barcelona.
Architecture of the Borujerdi House: The Materials
The materials used in the construction of the Borujerdi House, the colorful windows in the rooms, halls, and courtyard, the wall and ceiling paintings, the plasterwork, and the extraordinary Iranian architecture on the walls have all made it a masterpiece. The primary materials are raw bricks, and all the main structural elements of the building (piers, walls, and coverings) are made of raw bricks with clay or gypsum, or a combination of them.
Architecture of the Borujerdi House: The Decoration
A large part of the interior space of the Borujerdi House is covered with mirrors and prominent paintings. The interior mirror work and exterior decorations of the house are very captivating and have attracted the attention of architecture enthusiasts worldwide. Multiple oil and watercolor paintings of Qajar kings, inspired by the Russian and European styles, can be seen throughout the house.
Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer
How is a home in the desert city of Kashan full of freshness and pleasant air in different seasons?
The answer to this question goes back to the creativity of Iranians in construction. In the case of the Borujerdi House, the architects applied sound engineering principles correctly. Three 40-meter wind towers above the main hall and the entrance section have dramatically helped balance the summer air. The wind towers on the roof send a cool breeze to the basement and thus make the interior environment pleasant. Of course, the building materials used have not been ineffective; the combination of raw bricks, plaster, mud mortar for the walls, and piers have kept the space cool in the scorching summer.
On the other hand, the construction of light-receiving rooms with colorful windows, absorbing heat and light, provides some of the required heat in the winter; therefore, the rooms with more windows were used more in the winter.
Functionality of the Borujerdi House
The Borujerdi House was a private and residential building in the past. In 1974, a part of this building was converted into a public museum and the headquarters of the Kashan Cultural Heritage Organization; however, the interior part is still privately owned.
Unfortunately, not much attention was paid to the Borujerdi House for many years, which paved the way for the gradual destruction of many parts of it due to sunlight and water leakage. Until 1999, restoration and reconstruction operations were performed on the Borujerdi House, and it was revived.
What is the best season to visit the Borujerdi Historic House?
Spring is the best period for traveling to Kashan City, including touring the attractions of Kashan. The weather in this season is so pacific and moderate, and there are even ceremonies for the extraction of rose water. Another time that is very suitable for traveling to Kashan is October. This month, the carpet washing ceremony is held.
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Final Words on the Borujerdi House of Kashan
In addition to the first-class rose water and other memorable souvenirs, Kashan is renowned for its historic and unique houses. One of the most beautiful historic buildings in this area is a house called the Borujerdi House—a massive mansion with extraordinary and captivating architecture that led to a lover reaching his beloved.
In your travel plan to Kashan, visit the Borujerdi House and enjoy the masterpiece of Iranian architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Borujerdi House
Who is the architect of the Borujerdi House?
The famous 13th-century AH architect Ali Mariam Kashani was the architect of this house.
What are the sights around the Borujerdi House?
Tabatabai House, Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, Abbasian House, Jalaliyeh Castle, and Seljuk Defensive Wall of Kashan.
Where is the Borujerdi House?
The Borujerdi House is located on Alavi Street in Kashan’s Sultan Amir Ahmad neighborhood, Isfahan, Iran.
