Embark on a journey through time in Taheri Mansion of Bushehr
The southern Iranian city of Bushehr, the capital of Bushehr Province, is steeped in history with valuable structures dating back to the Sassanid and Parthian eras. Recognized as the city of the sea and palm groves, Bushehr boasts a rich cultural heritage and features historical sites such as Malek Mansion, the traditional Bushehr Bazaar, the grave of the English General, and the Anthropology Museum, also known as Taheri Mansion, which annually attracts a significant number of tourists. The city’s vibrant maritime culture is reflected in its bustling markets and the stunning beauty of its coastal scenery.
Nasrollah Ebrahimi, the deputy head of the provincial Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, stated that restoration work for the Anthropology Museum has commenced, focusing seriously on its content related to the history of the people of Bushehr. He added that part of the work involves restoring the building, including painting the courtyard and rooms, while another part involves adding a corridor to the first floor of the mansion for better visitor access. Once the physical restoration is completed, the arrangement will begin, developed by the project’s initial study consultants, chtn.ir wrote.
The land for the museum was purchased from a Bushehri merchant, and the order to construct this beautifully designed structure was issued by “Ahmad Khan Daryabegi,” the governor of all the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf, in 1938 CE. The construction took two years to complete by 1940. Initially, the building served as the governor’s residence. Located on the coastal road in the Behbahan neighborhood, like all old houses in the area, it is made of coral limestone. Initially referred to as the Amiriyeh Mansion, it was later acquired by an individual named Taheri, leading to its new designation as the Taheri Mansion.
During the first Pahlavi era, when Seyyed Hossein Sa’adat was elected mayor, the Bushehr Municipality was established in the building. The structure retained its municipal designation even after the Islamic Revolution until 1997, when officials from the Bushehr Governorate, following recommendations from the Cultural Heritage Department and the Iranology Foundation, initiated its conversion into an Anthropology Museum. The museum was designed to showcase the local customs and traditions of Bushehr’s inhabitants, culminating in its inauguration in 1999.
The two-story building comprises ten rooms arranged around a central courtyard. A wooden balcony on the second floor provides stunning views of the sea that captivate every visitor. The structure includes a large room believed to be the shahneshin (main hall) or reception area for guests. Today, the entire building, from the courtyard to both the first and second floors, has been transformed into a museum.
Upon entering the courtyard, visitors can see agricultural tools and a model of a lenj (a traditional boat) registered globally as part of Iran’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The first floor displays aerial maps of Bushehr, a replica of the city’s old historical and cultural fabric, boards featuring images of the city’s natural historical sites, a water room, a kitchen, and a hanna bandan (a ceremony traditionally held one day before a wedding) room. The second floor showcases exhibits of traditional professions related to handicrafts, a typical sitting room, and a room dedicated to traditional and ceremonial music.
In the corridor and the balcony of the second floor, displays of marine species from the Persian Gulf and various maritime handicrafts are featured. The main materials used in this building are coral stones, gypsum, teak wood, and sandalwood. The pillars in front of the building are made from teak wood, and to prevent moisture, they are encased in coconut fibers, coated with decorative gypsum. The edifice was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List on May 9, 1999.
Bushehr’s rich tapestry of history extends beyond the Taheri Mansion. The city is renowned for its historical significance as a major port and trade center, influencing cultural exchanges throughout the Persian Gulf region. With its blend of history, culture, and stunning coastal views, Bushehr remains a captivating destination for those seeking to experience the essence of southern Iran.