Badgir Mansion

The Badgir Mansion (Emarat-e Badgir, or Wind Tower Mansion) is one of the most valuable historic buildings of the Golestan Palace complex and one of the most distinctive examples of Qajar-era architecture in Tehran. It stands in Tehran Province, District 12, at Arg Square, on the southern side of Golestan Palace. The mansion was built on the orders of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar in the first half of the 13th century AH (lunar Hijri), and was extensively rebuilt during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, taking the form we see today. The building takes its name from its four tall, majestic wind towers (badgirs), which not only provide natural ventilation but also play an important part in the building's architectural appearance. With its magnificent decoration, authentic Iranian architecture and important historical events, including the coronation of Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar, the Badgir Mansion holds a special place among the historic monuments of the capital. Today, as one of the main sights of Golestan Palace, it welcomes large numbers of visitors with an interest in history, architecture and Iranian art every year.

The architecture of the Badgir Mansion showcases a blend of Qajar-era art, engineering and aesthetics. The main hall, built on a cruciform plan, together with large sash windows (orosi) with stained glass, delicate mirror work, exquisite stucco, wood carving, wall paintings and decorative columns, creates a grand and eye-catching space. The building's four wind towers are adorned with mosaic tilework and are the only known wind towers in Iran with this kind of decoration. In the past they channelled cool air through ducts into the underground pool room (hoozkhaneh). The pool room, now converted into the Photography Museum (Akskhaneh), houses a collection of Qajar-era photographs and historic photographic equipment. The side rooms (gooshvareh), the royal alcove (shahneshin), the upper room (balakhaneh) and other parts of the mansion also reflect the care Iranian architects took over both the practical design and the visual beauty of this historic work. In addition, during the Qajar period the Badgir Mansion hosted some meetings of the Council of Ministers, which gives it particular historical significance.

To visit the Badgir Mansion, you must first enter the Golestan Palace complex. The best way to get there is to take Tehran Metro Line 1 and get off at 15 Khordad Station; from there, it is about a five-minute walk to the palace entrance. If you travel by private car, you will need to park on the surrounding streets, because the streets leading to the complex are paved with stone and closed to vehicles. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when Tehran's weather is more pleasant for walking around and visiting historic sites. Responsible tourism matters during your visit: do not touch the decorations, mirror work or historic objects, do not use camera flash in areas where it is prohibited, keep the site clean, and by following the visiting rules help preserve this valuable heritage for future generations.