Heritage and tradition at Ardebil Anthropology Museum
Zahir ol-Eslam Bathhouse is a historical bathhouse in Ardebil, dating back to the Ilkhanate dynasty. It was purchased and restored during the Qajar era by a man named Motamen ol-Ro’aya, who added new rooms to the structure.
Like other traditional Iranian bathhouses, Zahir ol-Eslam features a kafshkan, or shoe-removal area, and a rakhtkan, which serves as the locker room. The entryway, called the sarbineh, is crowned with a dome. The bathhouse includes khazineh, or bathing pools for cold and warm water.
As with many old bathhouses, its plumbing system was constructed from clay pipes. The bathing pools were supplied with water from a nearby river, which was channeled into the facility via these clay pipes and drained in the same manner. Today, all components and technologies of the bathhouse are displayed at the Ardebil Anthropology Museum.
Although the bathhouse continued to operate until the Pahlavi era, it was ultimately purchased and restored by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization of Iran in 1999, after which it transitioned into a museum.
The Ardebil Anthropology Museum features thirty-three wax sculptures that depict the rituals, traditions, clothing, and lifestyles of the people of Ardebil. Additionally, the museum houses manuscripts, documents, and artifacts that highlight the region’s historical and cultural identity. Visitors can not only explore the structure of a traditional Iranian bathhouse but also immerse themselves in the culture of the Ardebil people.
Located on Sa’di Boulevard, near the Darwazeh (Aali Qapu) district and in front of the Sheikh Safi al-Din Shrine, the Ardebil Anthropology Museum showcases both the cultural heritage of Ardebil and the architectural significance of the old bathhouse. Visitors can plan their tour to follow a visit to the Sheikh Safi al-Din Shrine, enjoy local delicacies and souvenir shops, and then explore the bathhouse and museum.