Restoration turns Qotb House into key cultural landmark in Dezful
A 400-year-old historic building in Dezful, Khuzestan Province, known as Qotb House, has been transformed into one of the city’s most important cultural centers.
Mehdi Akbari, director of the house, referred to the restoration and reopening of Qotb House in January 2024 and added that the complex resumed its activities with a cultural and social approach following comprehensive restoration and large-scale rehabilitation works. Today, the complex is widely recognized as a key venue for cultural and artistic events in Dezful, according to chtn.ir.
Emphasizing the role of the site in reviving local traditions, he added that the primary objective behind reopening the house was to restore Dezful’s old customs and rituals and to familiarize younger generations with the city’s authentic cultural heritage. He noted that a wide range of cultural programs and artistic events has been warmly welcomed by citizens and artists alike, firmly securing the mansion’s position within Dezful’s cultural calendar.
According to the Akbari, numerous cultural, artistic, and social events have been hosted at the site since its reopening, turning the historic house into a dynamic gathering place for creative and cultural exchange.
He also highlighted the architectural significance of the building, explaining that the Qotb House, which dates back to the late Safavid era and the early Qajar period, stands as one of the finest examples of Dezful’s historic architecture. The building’s distinctive brickwork, along with its traditional spatial layout, has transformed the house into a comprehensive showcase of the city’s architectural identity and craftsmanship.
Pointing to Dezful’s broader tourism potential, Akbari said the city, with 28 historic neighborhoods and approximately 240 hectares of historic urban fabric, contains one of the richest and most extensive historical areas in southern Iran. Following its restoration, the Qotb House has emerged as a key element of the city’s cultural and tourism infrastructure and is regarded as a successful model for the cultural reuse and adaptive revitalization of historic houses.
He stressed that the Qotb House is no longer merely a preserved historical structure, but rather a vibrant and living center for Dezful’s culture, rituals, and arts. By encouraging cultural interaction and providing an active platform for youth participation, the building plays a significant role in strengthening the city’s cultural vitality and can serve as an effective model for the revitalization of other historic houses across Dezful.
Alongside its historic houses, ancient neighborhoods, the Dez River, and its rich and diverse cultural traditions, Dezful is steadily emerging as a notable cultural tourism destination in southern Iran, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience of history, architecture, and living heritage.