Aqa Khan Noori House reopens to public
The doors of the Mirza Aqa Khan Noori house, formerly the residence of the Prime Minister of Nasereddin Shah, have reopened to the public in district 12 of Tehran after five years and the successful completion of the first phase of renovations.
Shahab Talayi, head of the Fund for the Preservation and Revival of Historical Monuments, remarked at the reopening ceremony that the restoration initiative launched in Tehran serves as a model for municipalities across the country.
He emphasized that efforts are underway to revive historical buildings through thoughtful planning during the current government’s tenure. Talayi noted that approximately 10,000 historical buildings are privately owned, stating, “Our goal in this government is to draft regulations that will protect and revitalize these structures, facilitating their renovation and establishing appropriate guidelines.”
Vahid Reza Anarki Mohammadi, the mayor of district 12, emphasized the importance of renovating and reopening historical buildings, declaring that efforts are underway to open ten historical houses to the public by mid-March. He explained that urban management has worked diligently to eliminate barriers to the development of these historical sites and ensure their accessibility.
In recent months, 15 historical houses have reopened, including the Kashaf al-Saltaneh Bathhouse and the House of Mirza Aqa Khan Noori. Furthermore, the old building of Tehran Municipality is set to be reopened to the public within 65 days. Additional sites, including the house of Houshang Moradi Kermani, an Iranian writer known for children’s and young adult fiction, are expected to be inaugurated in the coming months.
Mohammadi also noted that the renovation incentive package enacted by the Tehran Islamic City Council requires enhanced collaboration among executive institutions. He highlighted that 73% of the area in district 12 comprises historical houses and sites, making their restoration and reconstruction a priority for urban management.
The house belonged to Mirza Aqa Khan Noori, known as Etemad al-Dowleh, for 40 years. It was later purchased by Seyyed Abulqasem, the son-in-law of Mozafareddin Shah, who took up residence there. The building showcases Qajar-era architecture, featuring mirror work, plaster painting, and orsi windows, which designate it as one of the most valuable and exquisite historical houses in Tehran. In the 1970s, the house came under the management of the Ministry of Culture and Art and was handed over to a private investor in 2019.