Tehran’s traditional teahouse registered on National Heritage List

The building located in southern Tehran at the beginning of Vali-e Asr Avenue was constructed about 130 years ago.

It was originally a gathering place for traditional storytellers who narrated the events of Ferdowsi’s masterpiece the Shahnameh and a gallery for teahouse paintings.

It was also used as a venue for seasonal religious ceremonies, traditional games, and performances of ta’zieh (Iranian passion play).

The building was later abandoned for several years.

In 1948, the building was purchased by Abdolhamid Azari Pur-Esfahani, who converted it into a teahouse and arranged for all the previous activities to be resumed, which are still held to this day.

The teahouse was restored in 1993. It is currently managed by Azari Pur-Esfahani’s heirs.

Iranian teahouses were first established during the Safavid era (1501-1722) and flourished in the Qajar era (1794-1925). These traditional venues also serve hookahs.

MMS/HG

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MNA