Traditional architecture is a type of architecture that is shaped based on the culture and common traditional designs in local communities. A distinctive style that emphasizes the connection between identity and people, and is favored by enthusiasts. Most Iranians enjoy living in such environments and remember them with brick and adobe structures, wooden doors, and the unique sounds of door knockers.
In most traditional houses, the entrance doors were double-leafed and wooden, with each leaf having a door knocker. Guests who wanted to enter the house had to use the door knocker specific to their gender. Women would use the smaller knocker, which had a high-pitched sound, while men would use the larger knocker, which had a deep sound. Upon hearing the high-pitched sound, the woman of the house would open the door, and upon hearing the deep sound, the man of the house would open the door.
When the doors of traditional houses were opened, they revealed a specific pathway known as a "dalan." People would pass through the dalan and reach a turquoise pool in the middle of a large courtyard with geranium flowers, feeling freshness and vitality under the blue sky.
Due to the pool in the center of the courtyard of old houses, the humidity inside the homes would increase. In Iran, many measures were taken to create a cool environment, which also emphasized aesthetic importance. Iranian architects paid great attention to the needs of people and the region in their residential designs. Gardens, rooms, and other elements were always arranged around the pool.
In traditional architecture, Iranians paid special attention to natural elements such as soil, wind, and sunlight, particularly in the use of space and the interior environment.
In the past, people built their homes according to certain principles and believed that the kitchen, or "matbakh," should be located farther from the living room and guest room. Therefore, the kitchen and guest room were built at the end of the courtyard.
Most old houses had several rooms situated next to each other, with the walls, ceilings, and wooden railings painted. They featured a special space for guests, decorated with mirror work, unique paintings, and beautiful Iranian tiles.
In Iranian architecture, rooms faced the courtyard and received ample light. Traditional architecture was more precise than modern architecture, considering the beauty, comfort, and tranquility of the household. The walls of old houses were thick, and the ceilings were made of wooden beams, ensuring the walls were very sturdy.
In some old houses, the windows had stained glass that diffused the morning light into different colors within the room. The sunlight streaming through the stained and lattice windows into the rooms, and the sight of turquoise blue domes shining like jewels in the sky, are other unique and nostalgic images etched in the minds of Iranian families.
These images, which feel more like dreams than reality for modern people, are experiences that seem almost unattainable today.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modernity, a family named Maleki has understood the importance of preserving and showcasing traditional Iranian architecture. By reviving a part of it in the form of "Ilkhani Amir Residence," they have embraced and shared this dream by living in it.
This is a traditional place in the historic city of Soltaniyeh. The existence of this traditional site evokes the taste of past life in the memories of the local people and reminds Iranians of the essence of traditional Iranian architectur.
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This article was contributed by Mr. Akbar Karimi, the international reporter for Arirang Culture Connect and the Founder and Managing Director of the Samte Ganjineye Ghoghnoos Cultural-Artistic Institute in Iran. His leadership in preserving and promoting Iranian intangible cultural heritage, along with his extensive experience in cultural research and performing arts, and his active participation in international forums such as UNESCO and ICCN, enriches his contributions to the global cultural dialogue.
Translated by Mrs. Farnaz Seydi, the director of international relations of Samt Ganjineh Ghoghnoos Institute.
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