Assef Mansion (House of the Kurds): The Largest Ethnographic Museum of Iranian Ethnic Groups

The Assef Vaziri House, or simply the Assef Mansion, is a historical building from the Qajar period (1796–1925 CE) located in Sanandaj. Today, it is recognized as the Kurdistan Ethnographic Museum, also known as the “House of the Kurds.” This site was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1996 and serves as a symbol of the cultural identity of the Kurdish people.

Sanandaj’s House of the Kurds: The Largest Ethnographic Museum of Iran’s Ethnic Groups

This complex displays valuable artifacts representing the culture and history of the people of Kurdistan. The mansion is located near the Grand Mosque of Sanandaj, which, in addition to its historical significance, is recognized as one of the main centers for religious ceremonies in the city.

A Glimpse of the Beautiful Architecture of the House of the Kurds in Sanandaj

This building was founded by Mirza Ali Naqi Khan Lashkarnavis, and its name is derived from his title, Assef Azam. He began construction of the mansion during the Safavid period (1501–1736 CE). During this period, the northern section of the building—including the ceremonial hall, adjoining rooms, and side corridors, along with part of the eastern section spaces—was established. In later periods, additional sections were added to the building as follows:

• In the first half of the Qajar period, the eastern and western sections of the outer courtyard and the mansion’s bathhouse were constructed.

• Between 1933 and 1937 CE, the inner courtyard, the semi-basement entrance portal, and the western part of the ceremonial hall were renovated.

• Between 1999 and 2003, all parts of the mansion underwent comprehensive restoration. During this restoration, the courtyard’s stone flooring was completely replaced, and the servants’ courtyard was shaped into its present-day form.

The House of the Kurds covers an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. In addition to its four courtyards—outer, inner, kitchen, and service areas—the mansion includes a semi-basement entrance portal, entrance corridor, and a room for water distribution.

The outer courtyard, considered the main courtyard of the building, is rectangular in shape and features two iwans, a fountain, and flowerbeds. The courtyard is designed in the Chaharbagh (four-garden) style, with the main hall—adorned with unique stucco work, muqarnas, and beautiful orsi windows—located on its northern side. On the eastern side of this courtyard are spaces including a corridor, two rooms, and a four-door hall. On the western side, there is a continuous iwan supported by columns, and behind this iwan lies a hall with a beautiful orsi window featuring intricate arabesque (eslimi) patterns. Two rooms are situated on either side of this orsi hall.

The bathhouse of the mansion, located in the outer courtyard, is considered the most beautiful historical bath in Sanandaj. Its carved stone columns, lime plaster decorations, and exquisite tilework give the bathhouse a striking and elegant appearance.

The inner courtyard is slightly newer than the main building. It was constructed in the early Pahlavi period, designed in accordance with traditional Kurdish architecture. The courtyard is two-story, with a basement level and a wooden six-columned iwan decorated with stucco work. A diamond-shaped fountain surrounded by flowerbeds is located in the center of this courtyard.

On the southern side of the mansion, there is a small courtyard known as the kitchen courtyard, which features a stone fountain at its center.

Since the water used in the mansion was supplied by a qanat system in western Sanandaj, a room was constructed next to the entrance corridor and became known as the “Water Distribution Room.” This room was used to regulate and properly divide the water throughout the building.

The architecture of the House of the Kurds is well adapted to the cold and mountainous climate of Sanandaj. The square layout and compact design of the various sections minimize heat loss, helping the house stay warmer.

The north-facing orientation of the mansion allows it to absorb maximum sunlight and heat. Additionally, the roofs of certain sections, especially the northern hall (Shahneshin), are double-layered, making these areas generally warmer than the rest of the building.

After the Assef Mansion was converted into an ethnographic museum of Kurdish regions, it became known as the “House of the Kurds.” This museum is the largest ethnographic museum in Iran dedicated to a single ethnic group, offering a highly enjoyable and educational experience for visitors. The museum includes various sections, such as: Art gallery, Urban life exhibits, Traditional schoolroom (Maktabkhaneh), Weaving and embroidery, Jewelry displays, Agriculture section, Trades and crafts section, Historical documents and photographs, Khan’s room, Clothing section, Hunting exhibits, Handicrafts section, Rural kitchen and lifestyle section and Library and document center. These diverse sections provide a comprehensive insight into the daily life, culture, and heritage of the Kurdish people.