Tekyeh of Moaven-al-Molk – Kermanshah, Kermanshah province, Iran
Photo by IsoGFX via Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0

In Iranian culture, these two words (Tekyeh & Hussainiya) are sometimes used for a special place wherein mourning ceremonies and religious Ta’zieh (a Muslim passion play celebrated by the Shiʽa in Muharram) are held and sometimes they are used separately i.e. Hussainiya is a place for mourning, Rawda khwani (the Shia Iranian Muslim ritual of the Mourning of Muharram) and Sineh Zani (a common form of mourning ritual in which mourners beat on their chest) and Tekyeh is a place for performing Ta’zieh. There is no proof for existence of Hussainiya in Iran before Safavid dynasty or even during that period.

Tekyeh of Moaven-al-Molk – Kermanshah, Kermanshah province, Iran
Photo by IsoGFX via Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0

The exact date of formation of Tekyeh in Iran is unknown, but it is believed that it was built in Safavid dynasty for Ta’zieh. The architectural structure of Tekyeh consists of a building with/without roof, a platform in internal space with two stairs in both sides or a gentle slope for horses to pass over there, a passage all around the platform for horse riding, a place for audience to watch the ceremony, and a locker room. They have several entrances, some are for the audiences and some others for the actors of Ta’zieh and their horses.

Ta’zieh and Tekyeh were highly flourished in Qajar dynasty. Tekyeh of Hasan Khan Moaven-al-Molk in Kermanshah province and Tekyeh of Dolat in Tehran province (destroyed in 1946) are the most well-known ones.

Tekyeh of Amir Chakhmaq – Yazd, Yazd province, Iran
Photo by Babak.masarat via Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0

It can be certainly said that in all cities and villages of Iran that the Shia live in, there are always Hussainiya. Hussaniya of Haj Ghaffar (in Maragheh city) and Hussainiya of Mirza Mohsen Mojtahed (in Ardabil city) are the oldest ones in Iran which are considered as tourism attraction.

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According to the archaeological excavations in different areas of Kermanshah such as the ancient hill Ganj Dareh in Harsin, the history of the province dates back to about 7,000 to 8,500 B.C. This proves the existence of the humans during the Stone Age of Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in this area. Sassanid kings (224-651 A.D.) were also present in this area where they built sumptuous and luxurious palaces and pavilions due to their appropriate geographical position.

The area was entitled “Qarmisin” by the Islamic geographers until the 4th century A.H. but later, it was replaced with Kermanshah. When the Islamic army conquered the historical city of Hulwan, Qarmisin was defeated by the Muslims without any resistance on the part of locals. The center of this district was the city of Qarmisin (Kermanshah), which was one of the four great cities of Jebal province (Ray, Hamedan, and Isfahan) during the Abbasid Caliphate period (750-1518).

Following the Mongol invasion, the area was severely damaged but during the time of Safavid (1501-1736), once again it found great significance though was seized several times by the Ottoman forces. When the Safavid Empire collapsed, the Ottoman forces dominated the area but years later, they were expelled from the west of Iran by Nader Shah Afshar (reign: 1736-1747) who also destroyed the old castle of Kermanshah and built a new fort in its place.

The pristine and beautiful nature of Kermanshah province along with the historical resources attracts domestic and inbound tourists to the region. The Uraman area, located in two provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah, is known as the Hezar Masouleh, attributing to the fact that there are many stepped villages (e.g., Hajij Village and Paveh City) in the area. Based on this style of architecture, the roof of the building below in the yard of the building above. Furthermore, Taq-e Bostan, Anubanini petroglyph, central mosque and the market of Kermanshah, Shafei Mosque, Tekyeh Biglarbeygi, Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, and the Quri Qale Cave are among the historical attractions of the province.

Importantly, the Behistun inscription has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Of the most important handicrafts of the region include Giveh-Keshi (a form of shoes), Chopoq-Bafi (mat weaving), Qalam-Zani (engraving), Daf, Tar, and Tanbur (musical instruments), leather making, rug, men’s and women’s traditional clothing (Chookhe). In terms of souvenirs, Kak sweets, date bread, Kermanshahi oil, rice bread, sugary bread, Shaho honey, and Paveh pomegranate sauce are known in the province. Some of the local dishes include Dandeh Kebab, Aush-e Abaasali, Khomar Aushi, almond stew, Parsht, Dordeh, Sibpollo (rice and apple), Kermanshahi and Baghi Abgoosht.

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