Discover Timche Akbarian: Tehran’s Hidden Gem

Discover Timche Akbarian amid the hustle and bustle of Tehran’s bazaar. If you’re looking for a place to relax and explore the old neighborhoods of Tehran, Timche Akbarian is your best option. Perhaps the name Oudlajan neighborhood sounds familiar to you.

Oudlajan is Tehran’s oldest neighborhood and is a spectacular city museum today. One of the most stunning spots in this area is Timche Akbarian, the oldest Timcheh and one of Tehran’s hidden gems. This historical monument, Timche Akbarian, was numbered 13601 on the National Monuments List of Iran on November 25, 2005.

What is Timcheh?

“Tim” means caravanserai, and “Timcheh” means small caravanserai; the difference is that most Timchehs have a covered roof. Regarding their position in the bazaar, Timchehs typically refer to a section that closely resembles the central bazaar rows in architectural style but on a smaller scale.

A Timcheh generally connects one end to the main bazaar row and the other to a caravanserai or dock for goods transactions. In ancient times, Timchehs often served as residences for large merchants and bankers who specialized in trading a single commodity type.

Timche Akbarian Historical Background

Timcheh Akbarian, located in the Oudlajan neighborhood and referred to as the Jewish Timcheh, was founded 260 years ago by Jewish traders.

In 1834, during the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, it became the site of the first mortgage bank, which operated until shortly after the Islamic Revolution in 1978. In 2011, Timcheh Akbarian was restored and transformed into the “Old Tehran Dining Hall.” Today, it showcases some of Tehran’s most beloved traditional restaurants and acts as a cozy gathering spot for friends.

Architecture of Timche Akbarian

The Timcheh building, covering 550 m², has two floors and two basements on a rectangular plot. Built with brick beams, mud, and lime mortar, it features a central dome and brick arch in the cellar, with flat beams over pavilions. Wooden doors and windows have round arches on the first floor and lancet arches on the second.

The eastern entrance opens to a foyer and a rectangular courtyard with beveled corners and a domed roof, centered by a pond. Although northern, western, and southern pavilions connect, some chambers are isolated due to renovations. Staircases on the north side lead to the lower and upper floors, with narrow corridors on the southern side.

Eight symmetrical pavilions flank the courtyard on the ground floor. The western pavilion, originally the king’s residence, now serves as an office and dining area. Despite the lack of windows, light filters in through the dome skylight and openings in the walls. A hole in the north connects to the basement for coin transfers.

The northeastern staircase leads to the second floor, while the northwest one accesses upper and basement floors via a spiral. Washbasins are in the southeast and southwest corridors. The first floor includes eight pavilions, two king’s chambers, and a ghulam-gerdi, with small windows in the eastern chamber and northern pavilions; the rest are dark and low-ceilinged. The first basement serves as a kitchen, and the second is a warehouse.

The main decoration is the stunning dome, featuring a bowl of brick veins, zigzag borders, and ornate trusses and arches. Further decorations include openings and the khishkhan, showcasing the dome’s lattice with flower designs and metal guards.

Location

Timche Akbarian’s Nearby Attractions

Tehran Grand Bazaar

Tehran Grand Bazaar, a major site in Tehran’s old city, dates back to the Qajar era and is partly from the Tahmasp Safavi period. It spans 105 hectares and was registered as a national monument in 1356. Its stunning arches, intricate corridors, and dome continue to impress visitors. Openings in the structures allow light and ventilation. The bazaar attracts local and foreign tourists with a wide range of goods at affordable prices. 

Tehran Bazaar features shops, taverns, arcades, restaurants, fast food, jewelry stores, caravanserais, and mosques, catering to diverse tastes. It offers clothing for all ages, cosmetics, jewelry, household items, and delicious foods, meeting the needs of both locals and visitors.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace is a notable landmark in Tehran that has over four centuries of history. It showcases a variety of historical monuments, particularly from the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. 1334 it was designated as a national monument; in 1392, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance in Iran.

The site showcases stunning art and architecture in a palace and garden complex influenced by Iranian and European styles, particularly during the Pahlavi era. Key highlights include the Marble Throne Porch, Karimkhani Retreat, Private Palace with Halls of Mirrors, and Shams al-Amara Palace, all of which feature intricate tile work, mirror decorations, and gilded stone accents.

Pahlevan Razzaz Boutique Hotel

The Pahlevan Razzaz Boutique Hotel is in a historic house in central Tehran. Its exact construction date is unknown, but it has belonged to Seyed Hassan Shojaat, Pahlevan Razzaz, since 1901. The hotel captivates visitors with its stunning Iranian architecture, royal residence, courtyard with a blue pond, and surrounding rooms.

In 1948, “Hajj Hassan Mardan Qomi” acquired the house and modernized its western side. Mr. Ali Jafar Nejad bought it from the heirs in 2016, followed by renovations. Since late 2018, it has served as a traditional residence and restaurant, attracting local and international tourists.

Conclusion

Timche Akbarian, in Tehran’s Oudlajan neighborhood, is the city’s oldest Timcheh and a key part of its cultural heritage. It has been recognized on Iran’s National Monuments List since 2005. Established 260 years ago by Jewish traders, it housed the first mortgage bank during the Qajar era.

The architecture features two floors, two basements, and pavilions around a central courtyard with a pond. It is constructed with traditional materials and showcases unique elements like domes and arches. 2011 it was restored as the “Old Tehran Dining Hall,” a popular venue for conventional dining and social gatherings. Nearby attractions include the Grand Bazaar, Golestan Palace, and Pahlevan Razzaz Boutique Hotel.