Bank Melli House

The Bank Melli House of Bojnord is one of the most notable historic buildings in the city of Bojnord, in North Khorasan Province. It is located on South Amiriyeh Street, Emami Alley, No. 16. The mansion dates from the late Qajar or early Pahlavi period and was first used as the residence of one of the city's lawyers. After the Revolution, the building was handed over to Bank Melli Iran and became one of the city's landmark administrative and historic buildings. Because of its architectural and historical value, it was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1385 (2006) under number 14150, and it remains one of the sights worth seeing in central Bojnord.

The architecture of the Bank Melli House combines traditional Iranian styles with European architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. The gabled "kolah-farangi" (European-style hat) roof, the symmetrical columns with decorative capitals, the arched windows and entrances, and the seven-colour (haft-rang) tilework in the panels above the windows all reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of the building. Beyond its historical value, the mansion is an example of Qajar-era urban and administrative architecture, and studying the details of its facade and decoration makes for a rewarding experience for anyone interested in architecture and history.

To visit the Bank Melli House in Bojnord, simply head from the city centre or Ferdowsi Square to South Amiriyeh Street. The best times to view the exterior are spring or late summer, when the light is good and the weather is pleasant for walking around the city. Since the building is now used for offices, it is important to practise responsible tourism: do not enter the building, respect the surrounding neighbourhood, and avoid causing any disturbance, so that this historic monument can be preserved for future generations.