Ghadiri House

Ghadiri House is one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Rasht and a surviving work from the Pahlavi era. It stands on the eastern side of Sabzeh Meydan, near the end of the Ehtesab dead-end alley. Built by Mohammad Vali Khan Tonekaboni (Sepahdar), the governor of Gilan, the house has a timber frame and structure, a wooden-board (lambar-kubi) ceiling, an exterior covering of clay tiles, and doors and windows made of Russian fir wood. It is an outstanding example of the historic urban architecture of northern Iran. Ghadiri House was damaged in a fire in 1367 (Solar Hijri), but thanks to restoration work it still has an authentic, historic look. It was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1379 under number 2686.

This historic house has two floors. The ground floor was designed as the winter living quarters, while the second floor, with its high ceiling and veranda, served as the summer quarters, allowing a pleasant flow of air in the warm seasons. The main courtyard, with its stone-paved steps and a variety of trees and shrubs, creates a charming and attractive view, while the back courtyard has kept a more authentic, old-fashioned atmosphere. The interior is decorated with flower-and-bird stucco work, mirror work and wooden sliding-sash windows (orosi), and the central hall on the second floor displays a collection of the authentic beauties of Pahlavi and Qajar architecture. Since its restoration, in addition to its historic beauty, the house has a specialised library on restoration, architecture and anthropology, which is used by researchers and students. From 1369 to 1381, Ghadiri House in Rasht served as the headquarters of the Gilan Cultural Heritage Department, and after the organisation moved to a new location, the house was used as the department's research section.

To visit Ghadiri House, travellers can walk through Sabzeh Meydan in Rasht and the municipality's cultural pedestrian street, then, after a short walk along the dead-end alley, explore the historic interior and beautiful courtyards of the house. Visiting hours are limited to office hours, and visitors should follow the principles of responsible tourism and avoid damaging the building and its interior. Visiting this historic house, together with a stroll through Sabzeh Meydan Park and the cultural pedestrian streets, offers a complete experience of the architecture, history and urban atmosphere of old Rasht.