Qajar Badgir Mansion

The Qajar Badgir Mansion is one of the historic buildings of Shahr-e Rey in Tehran Province. It stands in the village of Emadavar, near the Shahid Avini Highway and Shahid Silsepur Street. The mansion dates to the Qajar period and was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 22 Mordad 1384 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 13355. It is regarded as part of the historic architectural heritage of Emadavar, a village once known for its gardens, farmland and traditional houses, which still preserves parts of its rural identity. The building's distinctive wind catcher (badgir), which catches the eye from afar at the village entrance, gives the complex a unique appearance and recalls the traditional ways in which Iranian architecture adapted to the climate. Some reports estimate the age of the wind catcher at about 400 years, although this figure should be treated as an approximation.

The Qajar Badgir Mansion consists of three main sections, and its middle section is considered the oldest part of the building. The most distinctive architectural feature of the complex is its polygonal wind catcher, which was used in the past to channel airflow into the pool room (hoozkhaneh) and cool the summer rooms. In the basement of the mansion, lattice wooden doors and windows are among the valuable surviving elements, and pieces of Qajar-era seven-color (haft-rangi) tilework hint at the building's former decoration. Around the mansion you can see the remains of ponds and fountains, as well as three tall, ancient pine trees that evoke the lush garden the complex once had. In the past the mansion served as a residence and leisure retreat for local landlords. Over time, environmental changes and urban expansion have affected the condition of the building and the surrounding garden. Parts of the mansion have been addressed in restoration projects; even so, before visiting it is best to check the current state of restoration and whether access to the grounds is possible.

To reach the Qajar Badgir Mansion, take the Shahid Avini Highway in the south of Shahr-e Rey, turn onto Shahid Silsepur Street and follow the road to Emadavar village. The historic wind catcher stands near the village entrance and is a prominent landmark along the route. Spring and autumn, with their milder weather, are the best seasons for visiting and walking around the village. In summer, it is better to explore during the cooler hours of the day. Because this is a registered historic monument and parts of it may be dilapidated, you should strictly avoid entering unsafe or private areas, tampering with the decorations, or damaging the ancient trees. Keeping the grounds clean and respecting the daily life of the villagers are also part of visiting this historic attraction responsibly.