Behnam House

Behnam House is one of the valuable historical buildings of Tabriz, in East Azerbaijan Province, and is located in the Maqsudiyeh neighborhood. The house dates from the late Zand period and the early Qajar period, and in 1997 (1376 SH) it was registered as number 1850 on the Iran National Heritage List. Also known as the "Ganjeh-i House" or the "Qadaki House", it stands in the heart of the historic city of Tabriz, and today part of the Tabriz Islamic Art University occupies its spaces.

This mansion displays an eye-catching example of the architecture of past eras. Behnam House has two courtyards, an inner one (andaruni) and an outer one (biruni). The larger building was used mostly as the "qeshlaqi", or winter, section, while the smaller building was for summer residence. The façades feature skilled brickwork, plaster carving and karbandi (decorative vaulting), and the house has a seven-door orosi (sash window) that adds a beautiful touch to the building's symmetrical façade. The interior is completed with stained-glass windows, wall paintings (frescoes recently discovered during restoration) and carved plaster decoration. In recent restoration work and research, fresco-type paintings have also been found on the walls, which further highlights the importance of its decorative art.

To reach Behnam House, simply head to the Maqsudiyeh district of Tabriz; the building is on Arg-e Jadid Street. The best times to visit are generally spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and conditions are more suitable for walking around outdoors. When visiting, it is recommended that you avoid touching the walls and paintings, stay on the designated paths, and take your litter with you after your visit so that this cultural heritage is preserved.