Introduction to Behnam House
Behnam House is one of the oldest buildings left from the early Qajar period. For the Qajar rulers, Tabriz was the progressive city of Persia, which is currently the second most prosperous city of this land. According to the statistics, about 300 old houses are located in this city.
History of Behnam House
Behnam House is a treasure trove of the last years of the Zand dynasty and the early years of the Qajar period. This monument was rebuilt during the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. The decorations and paintings were added to the structure during this time.
Architecture of Behnam House
Behnam House includes two introverted and extroverted courtyards. This monument also concludes a main building as a winter building and a small building called a summer building. While entering this house, first we get to the porch. The porch of the house was used as the modern lobby for apartments. The design of this porch was such that the guests had the least view from inside the courtyard. After this porch, we reach the outer courtyard. In this yard, there is a pond in which the image of the main hall is reflected. The reflection doubles the beauty of the space.
The main hall of Behnam House
The main hall is located on the north side of the courtyard. This part includes a stunning porch with successive arches and high pillars. We see delightful paintings engraved on the walls and ceilings of this house. All sections of this house, such as fireplaces and niches, are decorated with impressive forms and designs. This hall includes seven windows. For this reason, it is also called Haft Dari Hall. The rooms around this house are known as earrings, which are decorated with dazzling shapes and forms.
Below this hall, in the basement, there is a pool house. This pool house includes dome-shaped roofs and brick windowsills. The size of the basement and the variety of arches and domes on the ceiling are noteworthy.
Nowadays, This House is used as the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Faculty of Islamic Art of Tabriz University.