[custom_adv] Toward the end of 18th century, as a result of a deadly earthquake, a lot of structures collapsed in Kashan. This also included all the buildings of Shah Abbas I, the mighty Safavid king who liked Kashan very much. Then, under Abdol-Razaq Khan, the city governor, a lot of buildings were built and reconstructed. [GARD] [custom_adv] That’s why most of what we know as Kashan historical houses have been built during late 18th as well as 19th centuries.Also, the prosperous time of foreign trade between Iran and Russia was another reason that some merchants took the opportunity and entered similar deals with this new foreign business partner of Iran. [GARD] [custom_adv] Several of them exported fruits and handicrafts to Russia and imported items not found in homeland , which turned to be popular as there was huge need for them: samovar, clocks, chandeliers, etc. [GARD] [custom_adv] Prosperous merchants needed bigger and more luxurious houses to quench their wishes and suit their culture. Therefore, local architects’ knowledge and efficiency helped the accumulated wealth to create masterpieces which we call Kashan historical houses today. They are some of the most liked Iran tourist attractions now. [GARD] [custom_adv] There are common features found in all of thees houses. When it comes to the constructional materials, the most easily accessible materials had been used: bricks for construction of the main structure, mud and straw for insulation and facade, gypsum for decoration facade and interior, mirrors for making inner spaces (particularly ceilings) more beautiful, thick wooden doors for protection, etc. [GARD] [custom_adv] The inner spaces had been devised and utilized for specific purposes. At the entrances of all these houses, it’s not possible to immediately see the inner part of the house. First, there’s a vestibule usually in octagonal plan leading you to two major parts of the houses through two different doors: [GARD] [custom_adv] Interior Section (Andaruny): A separated part of the house used by the family members where they could have their ultimate comfort and seclusion form the other part. As these merchants used to have business meetings at home, friends visiting them, guests coming from other cities, etc, their family members required their own privacy where they wouldn’t have to observe Islamic dress code in front of strangers. [GARD] [custom_adv] Panj-Dary (a room with five doors looking at the inner courtyard) was at this section for the family reunion at the time of meals, etc.Exterior Section (Biruny): This part of the house could be quite large, elaborate and accommodating a southern portico in front of a section called “Shah Neshin”. [GARD] [custom_adv] It means the place for the king to sit, the best part of the house for the guests who deserve to receive in the most elegant part of the building.There’s also a servant section, which could have its own entrance. It was used by the servants who served their landlords. [GARD] [custom_adv] They provided and offered their services from this part of the house. Therefore, kitchen and cellar were at this section. They stayed and lived in that area and appeared on the other sides whenever their services were required.In addition, none of these houses had windows looking outside. [GARD] [custom_adv] All of the windows looked inside the building and some at the courtyards. This was for more security and privacy.There were thick walls insulated with mud and straw for the sake of keeping inner spaces cool and nice in hot summer days and warm in very cold winter days and nights. [GARD] [custom_adv] On top of that, there are badgirs (wind catchers), cellars and basements constructed in Kashan historical houses to make sure there are areas inside the building with cool and pleasant temperature during very hot summer days. [GARD]
