Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the city of Kermanshah. Renowned for its exceptional tilework and rich symbolic imagery, this complex represents a unique blend of Iranian, Islamic, and early Western-influenced architecture from the late Qajar period. The tekyeh was constructed approximately 120 years ago, during a time when traditional Iranian architecture was gradually incorporating new artistic elements.
The Hosseiniya section of Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk was originally constructed in 1902 by Rahim Moeini Kermanshahi’s grandfather, Hossein Khan Moaven-ol Molk, to commemorate the events of Karbala and to host mourning ceremonies for Imam Hossein in Kermanshah. The construction was completed in 1903.
In 1909, during the Constitutional Revolution, the Hosseiniya was severely damaged when constitutionalist forces shelled the building with cannons and set it on fire. Following the assassination of Hossein Khan (Moaven-ol Molk), the reconstruction of the complex was halted for several years.
In 1941, Mirza Hasan Khan purchased the damaged building and initiated restoration efforts. Later, in 1947, he acquired adjacent properties and added the Zainabiya and Abbasiya sections to accommodate large numbers of mourners. In the same year, Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk was officially dedicated to hosting religious and mourning ceremonies.
In 1973, the complex was transferred to the Department of Culture and Arts and was registered as one of Iran’s national heritage sites.
The main entrance to Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk is located on Haddad Adel Street. Visitors enter the complex after ascending 17 steps that lead to the entrance hall. The tekyeh consists of three main sections: Hosseiniya, Zainabiya, and Abbasiya.
The complex has three separate entrances:
The main entrance on Haddad Adel Street
The northern entrance on Moaven-ol Molk Alley
The southern entrance on Ilkhani Mashraf Alley
This architectural layout allowed different groups of mourners to enter and exit without disrupting ceremonies.
Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk is especially famous for its extraordinary tilework, which many experts consider unique in Iran. The tiles were created using entirely natural pigments and demonstrate a rare harmony between architecture and ceramic art. The visual narratives depicted on the tiles include scenes from Ashura, Islamic religious stories, Quranic narratives, and Iranian national and epic legends.
From a technical perspective, the tiles fall into two main categories: embossed tiles and seven-color tiles. In addition to the tiles displayed on the walls, several decorative tiles featuring verses by Mohtasham Kashani—written in white script on a blue background—are preserved in storage. These tiles were originally intended to complete the Hosseiniya decorations, though only their empty spaces remain visible today.
Located in the Abbasiya section, the Kermanshah Clothing and Jewelry Museum was established in 2003. The museum displays traditional clothing and jewelry from various regions of Kermanshah Province. Its 200-square-meter exhibition hall showcases local costumes from cities such as Harsin, Qasr-e Shirin, Gilan-e Gharb, Paveh, and other areas, offering insight into the region’s ethnic diversity and cultural heritage.
Founded in 1990, the Kermanshah Museum of Anthropology is situated in the southern part of the Abbasiya section. The museum features a 200-square-meter hall with 29 display cases presenting historical objects related to daily life, culture, and social traditions. Exhibits include agricultural tools, hunting equipment, animal husbandry tools, weaving instruments, musical instruments, writing tools, textiles, and examples of traditional local clothing.
Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk is open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., except on Fridays.
For a more detailed cultural overview of Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk and its significance in western Iran, see this feature by Tehran Times.
