Wonderful Abbasian House in Kashan Shows You Iran’s Private Life

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3garden - Travel Images

At about 228km away from Tehran, it is a must as it gives the great opportunity to take a peek at Iran’s private side by visiting the local Abbasian House in Kashan. Before getting to beautiful Abyaneh, the NGO that invited me to Iran planned a stop in Kashan, an ancient oasis city dating back to the 4th century BC that offers to visitors the priceless view of typical desert architecture.

Kashan’s architectural style perfectly adapts to its surroundings: the mountain range creates a red boundary on one side, while the desert on the other side gives the environment its typical warm colors, widely used for decorating the city. With this in mind, we dared invade the privacy of the Abbasian tribe by visiting their huge residence.

Image: A gate in Kashan
Welcome to Kashan

History of Traditional Abbasian House in Kashan

The Abbasian House in Kashan, also spelled Abbassian or Abasi, belonged to the wealthy family of a glass merchant, Haj Mohammad Ibrahim, and was built in the 18th century around a courtyard following all the standards of traditional residences of the area like the similar Borujerdi House and the Tabātabāei House. The windows, doors, and arches of Kashan’s Abbasian House look at the inside instead of the outside.

Image: Courtyard of the Abbasian House in Kashan
The beautiful courtyard near the entrance

The residence was built keeping the four seasons in mind, so the underground floors had the purpose to soothe the summer’s extreme desert heat, while the winter was spent on the south of the house, to allow its dwellers to enjoy the daylight as much as possible.

Architecture of the Abbasian House in Kashan

The different levels, several yards, two main entrances and a succession of passageways and rooms devoted to the residents, the guests and the servants shape a world where privacy and intimacy were valued dearly but without sacrificing the sacred hospitality and social mores.

Image: Decoration of the Abbasian House in Kashan
In front of the house, already inside

The construction of the Abbasian House in Kashan is not ancient, less than 200 years old, and the first thing visitors will notice is its majesty. The huge first well-preserved courtyard was devoted to welcoming guests. The big pool in the middle and the finely decorated garden made it for a delightful view.

Elegant domes, barrel vaults, terraces and courtyards give the visitors a fascinating experience and whirls them to a traditional Iranian family life, secluded and private.

Image: Ceiling of the Abbasian House in Kashan
The ceiling inside the house

The structure of the Abasian House in Kashan consists of several floors, courtyards, and buildings. The whole complex is finely decorated Persian-style with stained glass, mirrors and plaster reliefs. Between mirror-covered rooms and hidden passageways, Kashan’s Abrasion House is a fascinating interplay of Persian art and traditions.

Now inside the Abbasian House they are running a traditional Iranian restaurant and a tea house where you can sit and relax among locals.

50 thoughts on “Wonderful Abbasian House in Kashan Shows You Iran’s Private Life”

  9. I especially like the courtyard for its indoor/outdoor fuctionality for the home. Plus I think it adds a little bit more aesthetics. But this home already seems so beautifully crafted. It shows how much the owners cared for every detail, even the weather.

    Reply

    • Thanks Cathy, it was very interesting, I always find that visiting private places reveals more of a country than its national moments (yet interesting!). I would have loved to stay more in Kashan and also Abyaneh, maybe next time :)

      Reply

  15. these are really gorgeous …. i advice all of you to visit other cultural cities of iran like Tabriz….. its fantastic……for example its architecture faculty is an old historid place which renovated and allready is being used just like a peace of heaven as decent faculty……just see it :

    Reply

  17. Dear Angela
    i published your photos at my website that is dedicated for introducing different aspect of Iran (Persia)
    and i appreciate you if you have any special memory or photos from your trip to Iran to share with us , or even your point of view in general

    Reply

  19. These photos are really beautiful! I think your camera is different of all! It shows the masterpeaces as they are … or more beautiful!
    It shows that your point of view is really good.
    Thaks sister Angella!

    Reply

    • It’s obviously Islamic architecture, but actually the definition of desert architecture is correct, in fact some of the devices were designed because of the desert climate, such as the badgirs.

      Reply

  25. Hi Angela! Considering I have 25 tabs open, I’m unsure how I found your blog at this point, but I think it was through Twitter. I am totally stunned by these photos. The beauty of the house and architecture is breathtaking! I’ve longed to visit Iran, but it doesn’t seem feasible in the short-term.

    Reply

    • Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you found my site so at the same time I found yours! Iran is certainly a big worthy destination, very much unearthed and full of gems to discover!

      Reply

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