Kashan; a gateway to Iran’s rich traditions
Many travelers journeying to Iran are eager to explore the attractions of Kashan, a city in Isfahan Province, known for its beautiful sites and rich traditional arts. Situated on the main highway from Tehran to Isfahan, Kashan offers intriguing places to visit, prompting many visitors to stop for a few hours or even overnight to learn more about the city. With its array of handicrafts, ancient sites, and monuments, Kashan showcases some of Iran’s finest highlights. Kashan is rapidly developing into a major urban center in Isfahan Province. Located at an altitude of approximately 940 meters above sea level, the city experiences a dry climate characterized by extremely hot summers and very cold winters, largely due to its proximity to the Dasht-e-Kavir, the northern desert of Iran.
Karkas Mountain
The Kashan Mountain, also known as the Karkas Mountain, form a natural boundary to the west of the city. This mountain range stretches from northwest to southeast and reaches altitudes of up to 4,000 meters. The Karkas Mountains divide Kashan into two distinct topographic and climatic areas: the temperate western highlands and the arid eastern lowlands.
Architects and artists
For many travelers to Iran, history is a significant draw. The Sialk Mounds, located within modern-day Kashan, have been inhabited for over 8,000 years, with archaeological findings revealing a rich variety of artifacts produced, bought, and sold there. Like many other Iranian cities, Kashan was once home to Zoroastrians before the Arab invasion in the 7th century. The city eventually surrendered and converted to Islam, becoming a highly religious center alongside Qom and Sabzevar.
In the 11th century, the Khwarazmians built a fortress and a wall called Jalali to protect the inhabitants. The Safavid kings took a particular interest in the area, with the Fin Garden created as a Persian Garden for Shah Abbas during his visits to Kashan. The Qajars continued this legacy, especially under Fat’hali Shah, who added several sections to the garden.
Kashan prospered significantly during the rise of foreign trade between Iranian and Russian merchants. The old houses of Kashan, which exemplify traditional Iranian architecture, reflect the affluent living conditions of that era and showcase the architectural styles of average Iranians.
Attractions
Abbasi House: The Abbasi House, also known as the Abbassian House, is a stunning example of traditional Persian architecture located in Kashan. Built in the late 18th century by a wealthy glass merchant, this historic house museum is renowned for its intricate architectural features and decorations. The house comprises several courtyards, multistory buildings, and beautifully adorned rooms with plaster reliefs, mirror-work, and stained glass. The central courtyard features gardens, pools filled with Qanat water, and symmetrical designs that create a serene environment. Today, part of the Abbasi House has been converted into a teahouse, traditional restaurant, and small shop, offering visitors a chance to experience Kashan’s rich cultural heritage.
Ameri House: The Ameri House, also known as Saray-e Ameriha, is one of Kashan’s largest and most impressive historical houses. Constructed during the Zand dynasty for Aqa Ameri, the governor of Kashan, this grand residence spans approximately 9,000 square meters and includes 85 rooms, seven courtyards, and two bathhouses. The house is celebrated for its remarkable architecture, featuring brick construction with mud and straw insulation and beautifully decorated interiors with gypsum and mirror works. The Ameri House boasts the tallest wind catcher (badgir) in Kashan, adding to its unique charm. It has been restored and transformed into a traditional-style hotel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Kashan’s cultural heritage.
Fin Garden: Fin Garden is one of the nine Persian gardens inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. This beautiful garden is historically significant as the site where Amir Kabir, a popular Iranian politician of the 19th century, was ordered to be murdered by the king. The garden’s cool and shady areas provide a pleasant ambiance in the region’s dry and hot climate.
National Museum of Kashan: Established in 1965, the National Museum of Kashan is located on the western side of Fin Garden. The museum showcases over 400 pieces of artifacts from the 7th millennium BCE to the contemporary era.
Sialk Hills: Once located outside the city, the Sialk Hills are now enveloped by Kashan’s urban development. These mounds represent some of the earliest settlements in this part of Iran following the Ice Age.
Aqa Bozorg Mosque: This late 18th-century mosque and theological school (madrasah) is situated in the city center. It features unique architecture with two courtyards at different levels and a relatively open domed chamber.
Kashan Bazaar: Some believe that this bazaar was first built during the Seljuks and renovated under the Safavids. Within the bazaar, visitors can find several mosques, tombs, timchehs (marketplace), and bathhouses.
Soltan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse: This traditional bathhouse is believed to date back to the Seljuk era (11th-12th centuries). Its beautiful design and decoration attract many visitors eager to explore the ancient lifestyle of the local people.
Amin-o Dowleh Caravanserai: The Amin-o Dowleh Caravanserai, also known as Timcheh-ye Amin-o-Dowleh, is situated in the heart of the ancient bazaar of Kashan. This expansive caravansary features three floors and served as a vital hub for the purchase and sale of valuable goods. The ceiling of this historic monument is adorned with intricate designs, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
Jaame Mosque of Kashan: The Jaame Mosque of Kashan is the city’s oldest monument, dating back to the Seljuk era. Throughout its history, the mosque has endured significant destruction, followed by periods of repair and reconstruction, each bringing about notable changes to its structure. Several historical inscriptions can be found within the mosque, providing insight into its rich heritage.
Adel House: Known as the “Pearl of Kashan”, Adel House is a stunning traditional hotel that dates back to the Qajar period. Constructed from sun-dried bricks, this beautiful house features a sunken courtyard and two levels. Adel House is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Kashan’s architectural heritage, showcasing luxurious decorations and intricate embellishments. Its original design harmonizes perfectly with the local culture and climate of Kashan.
Manouchehri House: The Manouchehri House, now functioning as a hotel, dates back approximately 400 years. Situated in the historic district of Kashan, between the Sarpoleh and Sarsang neighborhoods, this house stands out as a unique example of traditional Iranian architecture.
Yasin House: Located in the Darband Aqa neighborhood, Yasin House was constructed in the mid-19th century. Built under the order of Fat’hali Shah Qajar for Seyyed Mohammad Taqi Hosseini, a prominent scholar of the 18th century, this house showcases the elegance of its time.
Tabatabai House: One of the most beautiful and spectacular monuments in Kashan, the Tabatabai Traditional House lies in the Sultan Amir Ahmad neighborhood, an ancient district of the city. This house is a masterpiece of historical architectural art.
Constructed in 1835 at the command of Seyyed Jafar Tabatabai, a renowned carpet merchant of the era, it spans an area of 4,700 square meters and comprises 40 rooms, four courtyards, four basements, and three windcatchers, strategically located along two qanat routes.