Urmia Police Headquarters Building

The Urmia Police Headquarters Building (Shahrbani Mansion), also known as the Kolah-Farangi Mansion and the Great Anthropology Museum of Urmia, is one of the most prominent historic buildings in the city of Urmia, in West Azerbaijan Province. The mansion stands in Enqelab Square, popularly known as Eyalat Square, and is a surviving example of architecture from the reign of Reza Shah, the first Pahlavi period. Construction began in 1307 SH (1928) on the order of Reza Shah and was completed in 1310 SH (1931). The building was originally erected for military and administrative use, and thanks to its central location it played a part in shaping the historic and administrative complex around Enqelab Square. The Police Headquarters Building was registered on the Iran National Heritage List on 22 Tir 1379 under number 2761, and today it is regarded as one of Urmia's major historical and cultural attractions. Its architectural features and its change of use over time have made it a noteworthy destination for anyone interested in history, architecture and the culture of the region.

The design of the mansion is attributed to Vartan Hovanessian, one of Iran's distinguished architects, and its construction was carried out by Mashhadi Mohammad-Hossein, the master builder known as Molla Ostad. The building was designed under the influence of both Iranian and Western architecture, and its curved plan, especially when seen from above, resembles an eagle or a bird with outspread wings. It consists of a basement, a ground floor and a first floor, with a central corridor linking its many interior spaces. Its architectural features include the use of brick, wood and stone, a plain façade, and distinctive entrances with columns and projecting balconies. After years of administrative and military use, the mansion changed function in 1360 SH (1981), and was later handed over to the Cultural Heritage organisation and restored for cultural use. In 1392 SH (2013) it became the Great Anthropology Museum of Urmia, which displays to visitors a collection of traditional farming and livestock tools, local clothing, everyday household items, old games, handicrafts, historic photographs and cameras, clocks, scales and old Qurans. A visit offers an opportunity to learn about the way of life, occupations, customs and cultural heritage of the people of West Azerbaijan.

To visit the Urmia Police Headquarters Building, head to the centre of Urmia and reach the site via Imam Khomeini Street and Enqelab Square. Because the mansion is in the central part of the city, you can get there by taxi, city bus or private car, though if you plan to park, it is a good idea to take into account the traffic around the square. Spring and early autumn, when Urmia's weather is usually more pleasant, are good times to stroll through the historic district and visit the mansion. As the building is used as a museum, it is best to check beforehand that it is open, what its opening hours are, and whether the interior sections can be visited. During your visit, in addition to admiring the exterior and the architectural details, you can set aside time to see the museum's objects and learn more about the history and culture of the region. Following the museum's rules, refraining from touching historic objects and fragile decorations, avoiding photography in restricted areas and keeping the grounds clean all help to preserve this valuable heritage.