Samimi Mansion

Samimi Mansion, also known as Samimi Garden, Amir Sepahdar Garden and Kimeh Mansion, is one of the historic buildings of Ramhormoz in Khuzestan Province. The complex is located in the Kimeh neighbourhood on Omat Street and is considered a legacy of the Qajar period. In the past, the Samimi garden and mansion served as a residence and a seat of government, and were used as the base of the governor of Ramhormoz. Its construction is attributed to Mohammad Hossein Khan Sepahdar, an influential Bakhtiari figure of the Qajar era; however, he died before he could live in the mansion. The historic garden was shaped by the influence of European-style gardens combined with elements of Iranian architecture, and in 2001 (1380 in the Solar Hijri calendar) it was registered on Iran's National Heritage List under number 9956.

The Samimi Mansion complex consists of an entrance area, service sections and the inner mansion (andaruni). The inner mansion, or middle pavilion (kushk), is a two-storey building comprising a ground floor and a basement. In the past it was used for government affairs and administrative activities, and in the Pahlavi period it became the residence of the garden's owner. The ground floor includes a vestibule, four rooms and a dining hall (sofrehkhaneh), and its domed ceilings, arches and ribbed vaults (tavizeh) are among the building's architectural features. The basement consists of two rooms and a vestibule, and once also had a room with a pool (howz-khaneh). The guard towers and defensive walls around the complex reflect the importance of protecting the garden and its residents. The garden is also one of the most attractive parts of the complex, with trees such as date palm, bitter orange, orange, lime, sweet lemon, pomegranate, mulberry, olive, jujube, fig and pine. Flowers such as roses, tuberose, Damask rose, angel's trumpet and bougainvillea add to the beauty of the garden. The combination of greenery, a historic mansion and traditional architectural elements has made this complex one of the cultural and historical attractions of Ramhormoz.

To visit Samimi Mansion, head to the city of Ramhormoz in Khuzestan Province, to the Kimeh neighbourhood on Omat Street. The complex is about one hour and twenty minutes from Ahvaz, and a visit can be included in a trip itinerary covering Ramhormoz's historical attractions and the surrounding areas. Because of the hot weather for much of the year in Khuzestan, autumn, winter and early spring are usually better for outdoor sightseeing and visiting the garden. However, since access may be affected by restoration work or the condition of the complex, it is best to check with the regional Cultural Heritage office about entry and visiting hours before you go. During your visit, please observe silence and the complex's regulations, avoid damaging the trees and flowers, do not touch the building's fragile decorations, and do not leave litter on the grounds, all of which helps protect this historic heritage.