Exploring Kermanshah’s historical treasures
Kermanshah, the capital city of Kermanshah Province, stands as one of the most significant and largest Kurdish cities, steeped in a history that stretches back millennia. This land is rich with remnants of our ancestors, each artifact and site whispering a unique story. To comprehensively introduce all of these treasures in a single report would be an immense undertaking. Therefore, this report aims to provide a concise introduction to a carefully selected array of some of the Kermanshah’s most notable historical and cultural landmarks. When contemplating a visit to the historical sites within Kermanshah Province, the iconic Taq Bostan and the monumental Bisotun Rock Inscription often spring to mind. However, it’s essential to recognize that this region boasts a wealth of other captivating destinations, each offering a distinct glimpse into its rich past, IRNA wrote.
Old tekiyehs
Tekiyeh is a place in which religious ceremonies are held. Within Kermanshah, the Beyglarbeygi and the Moaven-ol-Molk tekiyehs stand out as must-see destinations for both tourists and residents alike.
The Beyglarbeygi Tekiyeh, a testament to the Qajar era, was commissioned by Abdullah Khan Farrash Bashi, who held the title of Beyglarbeygi. Registered as a national heritage site on December 19, 1996, the tekiyeh is not only of architectural significance but also features exquisite mirror work and plaster decorations that enhance its allure.
Among the various sections of the old monument, one finds the Zagros Paleolithic Museum, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and the Museum of Calligraphy and Writing, both established within its walls. These museums offer valuable insights into the region’s ancient past and artistic heritage.
The Moaven-ol-Molk Tekiyeh, another remarkable structure dating back to the Qajar era, served primarily for religious ceremonies during that period. Its distinctive tiling showcases a complete embodiment of Iranian art and culture, manifested through its stunning architecture and intricate decorations.
Located on Hadad-e Adel Street in Kermanshah, still known by its old name, Abshuran, among the locals, the Moaven-ol-Molk Tekiyeh represents a fascinating fusion of Iranian and Islamic architectural traditions with Western influences that emerged during its construction. The magnificent structure earned its place as a national heritage site in Iran on December 1, 1975.
The unique tiles adorning the structure were crafted using colors derived from 100% natural materials. Each tile contributes to the artistic value of the tekiyeh, narrating stories and reflecting the cultural ethos of the time. The building’s beautiful and commendable architecture cannot be overlooked, as it weaves together fragmented pieces of Iranian identity through carefully chosen images and motifs, presenting them to both present and future generations.
Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah
The Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah functions as a “city within a city,” a vibrant confluence of history, economy, and culture. Each alley and timcheh (a roofed, commercial space) within the bazaar echoes with unique narratives. Preserving this invaluable heritage demands more than mere restoration of buildings; it necessitates the revival of traditional professions, the education of younger generations, and the intelligent integration of new technologies with the historical fabric of the market to ensure its continued vitality into the third millennium.
With its ancient roots and intricate structure, the bazaar stands as an outstanding example of architecture and urban economy in western Iran. More than just a center for commercial exchange, it forms the pulsating heart of the city’s social, cultural, and religious life.
The bazaar’s layout follows the pattern of linear-network markets prevalent in Iran, featuring a network of alleys and timchehs, each carefully designed to serve a specific function. The alleys are divided into main and secondary sections, guiding the flow of commerce and social interaction.
Within the Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah lie other notable places, including its historical caravanserais.
The timchehs within the bazaar are also significant attractions. One timcheh, distinguished by its brick dome and strategically placed skylights, historically served as a gathering place for dry fruit wholesalers and another was once the center for minting local coins during the Zand and Qajar dynasties, highlighting the bazaar’s economic importance.
Enduring crafts
During the Zand and Qajar periods, the bazaar served as a hub for the trade of exclusive products. Carpets and rugs, renowned for their geometric designs, were crafted using natural dyes derived from sources like madder and walnut husks.
Leather production has long been established in the bazaar and continues to be practiced today. The crafting of giveh (a type of traditional shoe) and saddles from locally tanned leather remains an art passed down through generations of artisans who continue to work and earn their livelihoods within the market.
A crossroads of trade
The bazaar’s strategic location along the north-south road in Iran and the east-west road contributed significantly to its prosperity. Its position on these major trade routes facilitated the exchange of imported goods, such as silk fabrics from Bukhara, Indian spices, and Yemeni coffee. Exported goods included carpets, tanned leather, and tobacco, destined for the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Even today, a number of long-standing merchants maintain shops selling tobacco and carpets, preserving their traditional livelihoods.
Challenges
One of the challenges faced by the Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah following the Iran-Iraq war was the renovation and reconstruction of damaged sections using modern materials that often clash with the bazaar’s traditional architecture. The bazaar endured bombardment during the war, leading to the destruction of portions of the coppersmiths’ alley and the Haj Shahbaz Khan Caravanserai.
Other threats confronting the market include the challenges of modernization. The replacement of traditional shops with electronics and ready-to-wear clothing stores, coupled with the declining demand for handicrafts due to the influx of inexpensive Chinese goods, pose serious challenges to the bazaar.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the rise of new industries has led to the decline of numerous trades and professions within the bazaar. Coppersmithing, for example, is becoming increasingly rare, with only a few workshops continuing to employ old methods to produce copperware.
Woolen weaving, another diminishing industry, involves artisans using sheep’s wool to create traditional coverings. Pottery workshops also face a struggle for survival, as they compete with mass-produced plastic ware.
The Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah was officially recognized for its cultural and historical significance when it was registered as a national heritage site in Iran on June 7, 2000.
Untapped potentials
The sheer wealth of historical and cultural assets within Kermanshah Province is undeniable. With 4,200 registered national sites, three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and numerous other tourist attractions awaiting formal recognition, Kermanshah possesses immense untapped potential within the tourism sector. By strategically investing in preservation, promotion, and sustainable tourism initiatives, Kermanshah can solidify its position as a premier destination for cultural heritage enthusiasts, both domestically and internationally, ensuring that the stories of its past continue to resonate for generations to come.