Tekyeh Moaven Al Molk
Tekyeh Moaven Al Molk is a remarkable historical building located in Kermanshah city. It showcases the exquisite art and culture of Iran through its breathtaking architecture and decorations. The construction of this building dates back to the Qajar period, approximately 120 years ago when Iranian and Islamic architecture began to integrate more with Western architecture.
History
Rahim Moeini Kermanshahi’s grandfather constructed the Hosseiniya section of the Tekyeh Moaven Al Molk in 1902 to commemorate the Karbala event and celebrate the martyrdom of Imam Hossein in Kermanshah city. The section was completed in 1903 but was destroyed by a group of constitutionalists who shot it with cannons and set it on fire in 1909. The reconstruction of Takyeh was delayed following the assassination of Hossein Khan, also known as Moaven Al Molk. Mirza Hasan Khan bought the building in 1941 and began restoration work. In 1947, Hassan Khan purchased the adjacent building and constructed the Zainabiya and Abbasiya sections to provide support for mourners. The Tekiye Moaven Al Molk dedicated the Takyeh to holding religious and mourning ceremonies for innocent imams in the same year. The building was handed over to the Department of Culture and Arts in 1973 and was registered as one of Iran’s national works.
Architecture
To reach Tekyeh Moaven Al Molk, you must enter through the main door on Haddad Adel Street and climb 17 steps to the entrance hall. The complex contains three main sections – Hosseiniya, Zainabiya, and Abbasiya. There are three entrances to the complex – the main entrance on Haddad Adel Street, the northern door on Moaven Al Molk Alley, and the southern door on Ilkhani Mashraf Alley. This design allowed for better organization of religious ceremonies and prevented interference among groups. The complex is famous for its exceptional tile work, which experts consider rare and unique. The tiles are a reflection of the connection between architecture and tiling and are made with 100% natural colors. The building’s architecture is also noteworthy and showcases lost pieces of Iranian identity. The paintings and images depict events such as Ashura, religious narratives, Quranic stories, and Iranian national and epic stories. The tiles are divided into two groups based on technique and execution – embossed tiles and seven-color tiles. In addition to the tiles on the walls, there are also tiles stored in the warehouse with Mohtasham Kashani’s poems written on them in white on a blue background. These tiles complement the Hosseiniya tiles, although only their empty spaces are visible now.
Museums:
Kermanshah Clothing and Jewelry Museum
The Kermanshah Clothing and Jewelry Museum is a branch of the Viceroy’s Trust in the Abbasiya district. It was founded in 2003 and showcases clothing from various regions of Kermanshah province through multiple exhibit booths. The museum’s 200 square meter hall features traditional costumes worn by locals from Harsin, Qasr-e Shirin, Gilan Gharb, Paveh, and other cities in the province.
Kermanshah Museum of Anthropology
The Kermanshah Anthropology Museum is situated in the southern part of Abbasiya and was established in 1990. The museum features a 200 square meter hall with 29 showcases displaying old objects, handicrafts, clothes, and other cultural and social themes. Visitors can also view various anthropological objects, including agricultural tools, animal husbandry implements, hunting gear, weaving tools, musical instruments, writing tools, and examples of textiles, clothing, and native and local attire.
Visiting hours
Visitors are welcome every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Fridays.
