Qazvin’s old neighborhood in danger of destruction
Sardar Mofakham Mansion
yaldamedtour.com
Qazvin is among Iranian cities that attract many tourists annually. Apart from its fascinating museums as well as its lush and beautiful gardens, the city boasts historical monuments and neighborhoods. Bolaghi is one of these neighborhoods which date back 1,200 years.
Mohammad Hassan Soleimani, a researcher of Qazvin history, told ISNA that Bolaghi has major historical monuments including Sardar Mofakham Mansion and Heydarieh Mosque. He warned that the implementation of development projects in Bolaghi will deal devastating blows to the historical fabric of the neighborhood.
The Sardar Mofakham Mansion presents a different view from three directions which are visible from the heart of the city. It is a two-story brick building, which was once a gathering place for people of art and literature.
Soleimani said the mansion was built in the late Qajar era (1789 to 1925 CE) by Prince Akbar Mirza, also known as Sardar Mofakham, or Besharat -ol-Saltaneh. He was the head of the Qazvin Telegraph Office and the representative of Qazvin in the fourth and fifth sessions of the Constitutional Assembly (Parliament).
Soleimani added that the mansion was the residence of Ahmad Shah Qajar (the seventh and last ruler of the Qajar Dynasty). He said the building later turned into a school. Ultimately, the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization purchased the property and turned it into a cultural center.
Soleimani said that the history of the construction of Heydarieh Mosque goes back to the pre-Islamic era. This mosque is considered one of the best and most exquisite examples of plastering art in Iran.