Nestled in the heart of Zanjan, Rakhtshooy Khaneh, which translates to “Laundry House,” is a fascinating architectural relic with a rich history. Today, this remarkable building serves as an anthropology museum, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage and daily life in past centuries.
Rakhtshooy Khaneh was originally constructed in 1928 during the Qajar era in Zanjan. Its primary purpose was to provide shelter and a workspace for women who braved the harsh winter conditions to wash clothes. This historical building stands as a testament to the ingenuity and social organization of its time.
The Rakhtshooy Khaneh boasts exquisite architectural design, carefully tailored to its function. This subterranean public washhouse was 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 complex consists of two main sections:
The main building, where laundry was done and water was stored.
The courtyard and residential areas – a charming 400-square-meter courtyard with rooms along its northern side, creating a small oasis of greenery.
Rakhtshooy Khaneh is unique 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 engaging anthropology museum. Within its walls:
Female mannequins showcase period attire, vividly depicting the laundry process and traditional roles of women.
Exhibits illustrate the evolution of clothing, where younger women wore longer skirts for modesty, while older women favored shorter skirts for practicality.
Visitors can explore a variety of historical and cultural artifacts, including jewelry, traditional clothing, pottery, and more.
The museum also features artisanal shops at the entrance, where local crafts and handmade goods are proudly displayed, offering visitors a chance to take a piece of Zanjan’s culture home.
Spring & Summer: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Autumn & Winter: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A visit to Rakhtshooy Khaneh offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in Zanjan’s cultural heritage, architectural ingenuity, and traditional way of life.
For more travel insight into Zanjan’s cultural heritage, check out this external article: Zanjan Museum of Anthropology: A Window into Iran’s History.
