A journey through time in Tadayon House
Tadayon House, also known as Mohammadieh House, is a historic building located in Abbasieh Alley, part of the Nasar district in Semnan, the capital city of Semnan Province. This remarkable structure belonged to the esteemed tradesman Mohammadieh, who was the son-in-law of Mirza Abdollah Tadayon, a famous trader, and it dates back to the Qajar era. The house is situated adjacent to the northsouth rasteh (a group of shops) of Semnan Bazaar, both of which were constructed around the same time.
Notably, Tadayon House appears in photographs taken by Mirza Abdollah Qajar, the private photographer of Nasereddin Shah, during the king’s trip to Mashhad in 1867.
Constructed from cob bricks, clay, and stone, Tadayon House features three main sections: the biruni (public area), andaruni (private quarters), and maid chambers. The building boasts three entrances, with the main entrance located on Taleqani Street, while the northern entrance was designated for business meetings, family members, staff, and access to the stables.
Upon entering, visitors encounter the hashti, a corridor leading to the miansara, middle courtyard. The house includes summer and winter rooms characterized by pointed barrel vaults, stucco decoration, ivans, and eastern and western terraces. The andaruni section features a howzkkhaneh (a traditional courtyard used for bathing, aesthetics or both), side rooms, and storage areas to the east and west of the miansara. The summer room is equipped with a wind catcher, while the miansara also includes a stone pool and a flower garden.
A pathway connects the miansara in andaruni with the miansara in biruni, which once housed business offices. This section contains two large halls on the north side, a pathway leading back to the andaruni, and underground storage for goods. The building’s exterior is adorned with pointed barrel vaults, ezareh (decorative arches) made of bricks or stone, and intricate woodwork and brickwork.
The maid chambers encircle the miansara in the biruni section. Located on the southern side, these chambers consist of several rooms, a kitchen, storage areas, and stables. The miansara in the maid chambers is smaller and simpler compared to the rest of the building.
Today, Tadayon House serves as the office for the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization of Semnan Province. It also features a photography gallery and hosts handicrafts exhibitions, welcoming visitors to explore its rich history.