Iranian old houses have been precisely designed to present the manner and the beliefs of the people.
A general overview of the old houses of Iran shows that they had an introvert architecture that insists on seclusion and privacy.
That’s because Iranians didn’t want anybody intrude on their privacy. Most of the old houses of the country have vestibule that is a space between the main door and the yard. It allows the members of the family to get ready before unexpected guests enter the yard.
Also, the hospitability of Iranians that is well-known in the world has its signs in their architecture. In the past, there were outdoor spaces in front of the main doors that let the passers-bye sit for a while to take a breath.
These spaces that are like a stone bench or sometimes are designed as an alcove were also used for the neighbors to gather and have a chat.
Some wealthy people that owned big houses and could help poor people made these alcoves to let the needy to take a seat before they receive what they need. And this was the way Iranians respected deprived people.
In the past, most of the doors were made of wood and they had separate knockers for female and male guests. The owners could recognize the gender of the guests before they open the door because of the difference of the knockers’ sound.
Here are some of the old doors in Sanandaj city, the capital of Kordestan province.
PR/MM