Tavakoli House (A Qajar Era Heritage in Mashhad)
History of the Toukali House
The Toukali House was built during the Qajar period. Until the Pahlavi era, it belonged to a dried fruit merchant named Keshmeshian. After his death, a man named Toukali bought the house in 1964, and he lived there until his death. Afterward, the house became abandoned, but in 2010, it was restored by the municipality and registered as a national monument. The house was then opened to the public. Today, it serves not only as a museum of traditional schooling but also as a cultural heritage base. Inside, there are statues depicting individuals studying, teaching, or even being punished.
Architecture of Toukali
House Upon entering the Toukali House, you will notice its beautiful pond and tall trees. Following that, the intricate stucco and brickwork on the pillars and veranda will catch your attention. The house features five columns with delicate designs, showcasing the elegance of Iranian architecture. Above these columns are inscriptions adorned with two Quranic verses: "Inna Fatahna Laka Fathan Mubina" and "Wa In Yakad." The house is built on two floors, with wooden rooms, and the main structure is made of wood. Wooden elements are present in all the rooms as well. Another notable feature is the elegant tile and brickwork seen throughout the house. High-quality tiles were used to decorate the entrance, as well as the interior and exterior façades. The house also features traditional wooden sash windows called "orsi," which are fitted with colorful stained glass.
Other Sections of the Toukali House
The main entrance of this house has a simple design. Upon entering, you will see a two-story structure. Staircases on both sides lead visitors to the first floor, which has two living rooms and a reception room. On the second floor, there are several rooms with large wooden windows that allow light to stream in. The Toukali House is now repurposed as a museum, representing old-style schools. In one of the rooms, statues of students and a teacher from a traditional school setting are displayed.
The Haunted House
For a time, this historic house remained uninhabited, which led to homeless people taking refuge there. The noises they made at night caused fear and panic among the locals. Additionally, the large number of rooms, their labyrinthine layout, and the lack of proper lighting heightened the sense of fear surrounding the building. These factors contributed to rumors of the house being haunted by spirits. However, after its restoration, this eerie feeling was dispelled, and the house has since become a popular tourist destination.
How to Get There from Hotel Refah
By Car: Head to “Meydan Beyt al-Moqaddas” (Beyt al-Moqaddas Square) and take the “Navab Safavi” exit from the Haram underpass. Drive along Navab Safavi Street until you reach “Navab Safavi Alley 7,” where you will see signs for the Toukali House.
By Public Transport: Since Toukali House is located near the holy shrine, you can walk there. Head to “Meydan Beyt al-Moqaddas” (Beyt al-Moqaddas Square) and take “Eidgah Alley” to enter “Eidgah Alley 2.” Then, go through “Mohammadiyeh 2” and into “Asgariyeh Street.” The Toukali House is located at “Asgariyeh 8.”
