Ahmad Shahi Koshk
Ahmad Shahi Koshk located in Niavaran Garden north of Tehran, part of the Niavaran Palace Complex is a significant neo-classical structure from the Qajar era. It was the summer residence of Ahmad Shah, the last Qajar king. Ironically, the same mansion hosted Prince Cyrus Reza Pahlavi for some time.
The building is 800 square meters built in two flats. The brickwork that decorates the exterior design is very unique. Twenty-six tall cylinder-shaped columns connecting the second floor has characteristics of ancient Persian architecture creating a specious terrace area with a magnificent view on a circular pool below which is ornamented with dark tiles of a special tone of Persian Blue called Lajevardi in Farsi.
The first floor has six rooms connected with two halls. Whereas, the upper floor has a big music hall in the center encircled with the spectacular balcony. Shape of the roof has similarities to a style in late Qajar era called Kolah-Farangi (lit. Western hat). Although there’s no documentation on the date the Koshk (belvedere) was built, during Reza Shah’s reign, the whole complex underwent an artistic renovation.
Under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran, the Ahmad Shahi Koshk serves as a museum with interesting items both from Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties, open to visitors seven days a week.
