Rakhtshooy Khaneh and Anthropology Museum
Nestled in the heart of Zanjan, the Rakhtshooy Khaneh, which translates to “Laundry House,” is an intriguing architectural relic with a fascinating history. Today, this remarkable building houses an enthralling museum that offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.
A Testimony to History
The Rakhtshooy Khaneh was originally constructed during the Qajar era in 1928 in Zanjan. Its purpose was to provide a refuge for women who labored tirelessly in the bone-chilling Zanjan winters to wash clothes. This historical building stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its time.
Description
The Rakhtshooy Khaneh boasts an exquisite architectural design, meticulously crafted to serve its unique function. Operating round the clock, this subterranean public washhouse was ingeniously supplied with water from a nearby qanat, channeling it into a vast reservoir for laundry purposes. The building harmoniously blends wood, brick, and stone elements.
The Rakhtshooy Khaneh comprises two main sections. The first encompasses the building itself, while the second comprises a charming courtyard and adjacent residential areas. The courtyard, a small oasis of greenery, spans an area of 400 square meters and features rooms along its northern side.
Notably, the Rakhtshooy Khaneh in Zanjan stands as a unique architectural gem in Iran. There is no other known building that served the same purpose with such distinct characteristics.
In recent years, the Rakhtshooy Khaneh has been transformed into an impressive anthropology museum. Within its walls, female mannequins don attire from the era, providing vivid depictions of the laundry process and the traditional roles of women. It harks back to a time when laundry was exclusively the domain of women. The exhibits reveal the evolution of clothing, with younger women wearing longer skirts for modesty while older women favored shorter skirts for practicality.
Beyond its portrayal of laundry traditions, the museum showcases an array of historical and cultural artifacts. Visitors can explore an assortment of jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more, each with its own unique story to tell. Additionally, the entrance area features artisanal shops, where local crafts and goods are proudly displayed.
Visiting Hours
The Rakhtshooy Khaneh in Zanjan warmly welcomes visitors during the summer and spring months from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In the autumn and winter seasons, you can explore its treasures from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A visit to the Rakhtshooy Khaneh offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and architectural legacy of Zanjan.
