The Tabriz Architecture Faculty, housed within three remarkable traditional Persian mansions, offers students and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of Persian architectural styles, from traditional to modern.
These architectural treasures date back to multiple historic periods, spanning the Zand dynasty, the Qajar era, and the Pahlavi era (18th–20th centuries).
The Architecture Faculty of Islamic Arts University in Tabriz is located within three historic mansions, each showcasing distinct architectural features. These impressive residences feature two-story colonnades, serene inner courtyards, and ornamental pools, creating a picturesque environment for aspiring art and architecture students.
The first mansion, Behnam House, exemplifies traditional Persian design. Built during the late Zand and early Qajar periods, it follows a typical Persian layout with two courtyards and separate buildings for summer and winter use. The entrance leads to an octagonal room and a central courtyard adorned with colorful stained-glass windows and a finely crafted pillared veranda. The main two-story building, set on a basement, features exquisite decorations, including frescoes and intricate plasterwork. The spacious courtyard contains lush trees and a tranquil pool.
The second mansion, Qadaki House, also hails from the Qajar era. Its entrance opens into an octagonal room, leading to a courtyard with gardens and a central pool. The two-story main building includes a second-floor veranda supported by multiple pillars. The house is adorned with intricate mirrorwork, delicate plaster designs, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
The third building, Ganjehi Zade House, dates to the Qajar era with later additions from the Pahlavi period. Covering approximately 3,000 square meters, this three-story mansion represents the transition from traditional Persian to modern architectural styles. Its eastern wing, from the Qajar period, includes a three-story structure with a basement and pool, while the western wing, added during the Pahlavi era, features a basement, ground floor, and first floor, each with pillared verandas and brick facades.
Though these historic residences now serve as educational spaces, they are open to visitors, offering a chance to admire the elegance and beauty of Persian architecture and decorative arts.
For detailed information about the Tabriz Architecture Faculty and its historic buildings, visit the official website of Tabriz Islamic Art University.
