Kashef-ol-Saltaneh Tomb and Iran Tea History Museum

The Tomb of Kashef-ol-Saltaneh, now known as part of the Iran Tea History Museum complex, is located in the city of Lahijan in Gilan Province, on East Kashef Street, just before Keshavarzi Junction. The complex dates from the contemporary period and was built on one of the green, tea-covered hills of the city in honor of Mohammad Mirza Ghoyunlu, known as Kashef-ol-Saltaneh, the founder of the tea industry in Iran. This site is not only a historic tomb but also a symbol of the birth of the country's tea industry. In recognition of Kashef-ol-Saltaneh's special place in the history of Iranian agriculture, it was inscribed on the Iran National Heritage List in 1375 (1996) under registration number 1769. Set amid greenery and tea plantations, the building has become one of the most distinctive cultural and historical attractions of Lahijan.

Inside the complex is the Iran Tea History Museum, one of the country's most important specialized museums on the history of agriculture. The museum consists of two main floors, a tower and ancillary spaces, and houses a valuable collection of documents, records, traditional tools for processing and drinking tea, and ethnographic objects. The ground floor is devoted mostly to documents related to the life and activities of Kashef-ol-Saltaneh and to old tea-drinking utensils such as samovars, teapots and traditional vessels. The second floor displays historical and cultural artifacts from different periods of Iranian history, part of which introduces the lifestyle and local culture of the Gilan region. Together with the tomb, the complex offers a full account of how tea came to Iran and of the efforts of the man who introduced it, which is why it is considered one of the important cultural tourism destinations of northern Iran.

The Tomb of Kashef-ol-Saltaneh is very easy to reach from inside Lahijan. Visitors can head from the main squares of the city toward East Kashef Street and arrive at the complex. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the mild weather and the lush green tea fields give the surroundings a special charm. When visiting, it is important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including keeping the environment clean, not damaging the surrounding vegetation, and respecting the historic atmosphere of the tomb. Besides its historical value, the complex, set within a natural landscape of tea plantations, offers visitors a peaceful, cultural experience and a good opportunity to learn more about the history of tea in Iran.