Rakhtshooy Khaneh

The Rakhtshoo Khane edifice , or the historical complex of the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice , is located in the heart of the historical fabric of Zanjan, nestled within the old city walls. First and foremost, it’s important to note that this building is unique and has no equivalent in Iran; it exists solely in Zanjan. This structure was commissioned by Ali Akbar Tofighi, the mayor of Zanjan at the time, due to the cold and harsh climate of Zanjan during the winter months. The building has since been repurposed and, after restoration, now serves as an anthropology museum open to the public and is listed as a national heritage site in Iran.

History of Museum of Rakhtshooykhaneh

The construction of the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  began in 1928 (1307 in the Persian calendar), coinciding with 1347 in the lunar calendar, when Ali Akbar Tofighi, the head of the local municipality, purchased the land for the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice . The reason for selecting this land was its lower elevation compared to surrounding areas, the presence of the Qanat Qaleh Chi, and the potential for collecting excess water. The building was constructed by two brothers named Mashhadi Akbar Ma'ama and Mashhadi Ismail, with the former being the architect and the latter responsible for the construction of the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice .

Architecture and Style of Rakhtshooy Khaneh Edifice 

The architectural style of this building can be attributed to the late Qajar era and the early Pahlavi period. This historical structure is situated in the heart of the historic city of Zanjan, almost at the center of the city.

Usage of Rakhtshooy Khaneh Edifice 

As mentioned, this building was exclusively for women, providing them with a space to wash clothes in the cold weather of Zanjan. Men were not allowed to enter, except for maintenance and construction purposes. No other structure like this exists in the country, and it is truly a unique sight. Architecturally, this building can be compared to the Abbas Quli Khan Mosque and the Arg Gate. In terms of management, this building was a public service facility, providing services to the women of the city around the clock. There was no charge for using the facility, but users would often bring food items such as bread, rice, sugar, and oil as gifts to the caretaker, a woman named Masoumeh Khanom, who was the wife of the architect. Currently, the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  is considered the most important historical site and museum in Zanjan. Inside, there are statues showcasing the traditional clothing of Zanjani women, as well as jewelry and tools used by them.

Features of the Building of Rakhtshooy Khaneh Edifice

The water in this area, which is quite extensive, is supplied by the Haj Bahaddin Qanat. The building can initially be divided into two sections: administrative and the laundry area. The administrative section includes a courtyard and residential area. The main washing space is divided into four parts. The courtyard is a square and rectangular area, covering 400 square meters, with dimensions of 12 by 32 meters, featuring landscaping and green spaces. The main section in the northern part of the courtyard is 60 meters long and includes two rooms and an entrance that connects the courtyard, the caretaker's area, and the laundry space. The layout and façade of this residential unit are designed in the traditional style of Zanjan. The washing basin of this Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  measures 17 meters in length, 5.5 meters in width, and 8 meters in height. In this space, there is a kind of terrace that served as the management area. A woman was responsible for managing the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  and received a salary for her work. The architect of this space had a thorough understanding of all construction aspects and was able to create a beautiful and inviting environment for women using arches and skylights. The interior of the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  and the main structure are beautifully designed, featuring 11 symmetrical columns. This area includes a hall that is 7 meters wide, 62 meters long, and covers a total area of 850 square meters. The 11 columns symmetrically divide the hall into two sections, with four basins and water channels situated between them, separated by carved travertine stones. These basins underwent minor modifications when the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  was converted into an anthropology museum. The building is constructed from stone, brick, and Sarooj. Sarooj is a mixture of clay, lime, sand, sometimes goat or camel hair, egg yolk, and occasionally fruit extract as a catalyst. Unfortunately, the exact formula, which was passed down through generations of builders and architects, has been lost, and this knowledge has largely faded away. Unlike cement, Sarooj is a living material that undergoes continuous chemical reactions, meaning it is always hardening. As a result, the Sarooj in the Rakhtshoo Khane edifice  remains active, absorbing moisture and continuing to harden even after all these years. If you plan to visit Zanjan, make sure to check out this beautiful cultural site. We hope that soon the Sana Persian team will host you in Iran, Zanjan, and the beautiful Rakhtshoo Khane edifice . We look forward to that day in the very near future!