Notable innovations in Darougheh House of Mashhad
Darougheh House in Mashhad, the capital city of Khorasan Razavi Province, is one of the Qajar historical houses and a significant tourist attraction in the Khorasan Razavi Province. It was registered on Iran National Heritage List in 2002. This house served as the residence of the last darougheh (darughachi, a Mongol word for governor) of Mashhad, Yusuf Khan Herati, built by his order. Notably, it was designed to be self-sufficient, relying on solar, wind, and water resources.
Unique features
One of the key historical values of Darougheh House is its inclusion of the first private bathroom and fireplace in Mashhad. At the time of its construction, no other houses in the city had a private bathroom or fireplace. Residents had to use public bathhouses, making the existence of a private bathroom in this house particularly significant.
Historical background
Constructed at the end of the Qajar period under Yusuf Khan Herati’s orders, he not only served as the last darougheh but was also elected as the first head of nazmiyeh (urban police) after the Constitutional Revolution. He intended the Darougheh House to serve as a venue for official receptions and lived there for several years.
Ownership changes
Following Yusuf Khan Herati’s death, the house was passed down to his heirs. In 1987, a religious congregation from Yazd purchased it, and it was used as a venue for religious gatherings for some time. Eventually, Mashhad Municipality bought the property and initiated restoration efforts in collaboration with a company, which commenced in 2012 and concluded in 2015.
Recognition
After its restoration, Darougheh House became one of 13 projects to win UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. It is important to acknowledge that the municipality allocated a significant budget for the restoration.
Architectural design
Darougheh House is situated in Darougheh Alley, with its entrance on the south side. Upon entering, visitors notice that the house’s courtyard is 75cm lower than the surrounding alley. The courtyard features a beautiful fountain and several small gardens.
The two-story structure of the Darougheh House is framed by two diagonal staircases on either side. It employs a design known as “three-sided construction,” enclosing the eastern, western, and northern sides of the yard. The house consists of two living quarters and an ambulatory, connected in a style common among Iranian historical homes.
Architectural influences
The terrace design and two-sided stairs reflect inspiration from Russian architecture, with several decorative features resembling that style.
Porches: In the western section, a pillar-supported porch is adorned with octagonal and oval tilework. Names of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the phrase ‘Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim’ – In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” are intricately engraved on this porch, surrounded by floral designs.
Another porch featuring four pillars is located in the northern section, with beautifully decorated brickwork and diagonally splayed staircases featuring delicate metal railings.
Seasonal living quarters
Darougheh House contains two distinct sections, the winter and summer dwellings, each designed for comfort during different seasons. The winter dwelling is oriented to face the sun, facilitating warmth during colder months. In contrast, the summer dwelling is designed to remain cooler by being situated away from direct sunlight.
The lower floor of the winter dwelling includes heating equipment to maintain warmth throughout the winter. The kitchen’s location in this area also contributes to the house’s overall warmth, complemented by heaters and double-glazed windows. A room in the eastern part of the house features a fireplace.
The summer dwelling showcases a charming traditional fountain and windcatcher rooms, which enhance ventilation and keep the house comfortable during warmer months.
A must-see attraction
A trip to Mashhad to visit the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), the eighth Imam of Shia Muslims, should also include a stop at various historical houses, with the Darougheh House being particularly noteworthy. Its remarkable architecture makes it one of Iran’s most significant tourist attractions, drawing both domestic and international visitors each year.