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Asef Vaziri Monument, a Stunning Gem in Sanandaj

Asef Vaziri Monument is one of the historical monuments of Sanandaj, where is a symbol of the culture and identity of the Kurds.
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Introduction to Asef Vaziri Monument

Among the cities of Iran, Sanandaj, as a small paradise in the province of Kurdistan in the northwestern side of the country, has become famous for its unique and spectacular nature as well as the historical and diverse mansions. Among the beautiful houses of Sanandaj, the Asef Vaziri Monument has a dazzling charm. The art and architectural virtue of the house have made it one of the stunning places in the city.

Asef Vaziri Monument is one of the historical monuments of Sanandaj, where is a symbol of the culture, art, originality, and identity of the Kurds. The Kurdish House is the museum of the anthropology of Kurdish ethnic groups, and of course, the largest anthropological museum in Iran introduces a particular ethnic group (the Kurds). In such a house, you can get acquainted with different aspects of the Kurdish lifestyle and enjoy watching the sculptures dressed in Kurdish, along with visiting the mansion’s architecture. The Kurdish House is a clear symbol of the identity, culture, and originality of the Kurds and a treasure trove of their knowledge, hence, it is one of the most valuable historical and cultural monuments of the province, both for the local people and for every tourist who travels to Sanandaj, full of charm and pleasure.

History of Vaziri Mansion

Asef Vaziri Monument, one of the most impressive old and historical residences in Sanandaj, is a manifestation of three historical periods in Iran, namely the Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras. The main building is architectured in the Safavid era as well as the northern parts, the royal residence, the ceremonial hall, the nested rooms, and the corridors on both sides.

Later, during the Qajar period, sections such as the east and west sides of the external courtyard, and the bathroom section, were added to the house and completed the Asef Vaziri Monument. Finally, the inner part, the entrance, the vestibule, and the restoration of the western part of the ceremonial hall were done between 1933 to 1937 during the Pahlavi rule. Between 2003 and 2008, general renovations were carried out, such as replacing the pavement and renovating the staff yard, transforming the house museum into where it is today.

Architecture of Asef Vaziri Mansion

The architecture of the Asef Vaziri Monument is artistic and elegant, and by looking at the museum house, one can see manifestations of the Persian artists’ art. After passing through the entrance, you will reach a corridor that overlooks the Hashti (Entrance space) of the house, then you will enter the courtyard. The historic mansion consists of four primary parts; the external and the inner courtyards, staff courtyard, and kitchen courtyard. There are two ponds among the main and the inner courtyards, making the atmosphere more pleasant.

In addition to these four sections, the mansion also includes sub-sections such as corridors, entrances, and baths, each of which has been built with artistic attraction. Muqarnas, sash windows, and trelliswork are parts of the most eye-catching embellishments practiced in the mansion building. The fascinating and clever point about the mansion’s construction is the building’s position in terms of light and wind direction. The house museum is built to the north, leading to the most light and heat absorbed from the sun in the different parts of the mansion. Some parts’ roof, such as the royal hall, is double-surfaced that keeps more heat inside during the day.

The Asef Vaziri Monument, with an area of ​​4500 square meters, belonged to Asef Khan Divan. In 1997, the Vaziri mansion was purchased from its first owners and officially acquired by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. After the reconstruction and restoration, the mansion was converted into an anthropological museum, also known as the Kurdish House. In the Kurdish House, where is also considered the largest museum of Persian ethnic groups, the cultural affiliations of the Kurdish people are exhibited, regardless of its political geography and only with an emphasis on cultural geography, including West Azerbaijan, Iraqi Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, and Kermanshah. The Kurdish House Museum encompasses various sections such as the Kurdish Statue Room, Urban Life, Agriculture, Jobs and Crafts, Historical Documents and Photographs, Khan Room, Clothing Section, Hunting Booth, School House, Crochet, Jewelry, Handicrafts, The kitchen Booth, Rural life, Library, Wooden Works of Master Behzadian and the documentation centre.

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