Beneath the oppressive summer sun of Kashan, beads of perspiration trickled down the foreheads of passersby. In one of the narrow, adobe alleyways, time seemed to have paused in its relentless march. The high, mud-brick walls, painted in a uniform earthy hue, provided the only respite from the sun's relentless glare in this minimalist alleyway. A minimalism that bore no claim to being trendy, nor did it need to. Simplicity reigned supreme, extending all the way to the unassuming wooden door of the Abbassian household.
Occasionally, the tranquility of the alleyway is shattered by the passage of a pedestrian, offering me fresh subjects for my photography and writing endeavors. It seems as if every corner of this alleyway whispers tales untold. And then, at the far end of this narrow and short lane, an oasis of coolness and history appears to emerge. The unassuming wooden door of the Abbassian household beckons me, a gateway to the cool interior and the grandeur of a bygone era.
With hasty steps, I approach this doorway, my heart filled with an indescribable eagerness, awaiting its opening and my entrance into a world apart. A world where, once upon a time, the fragrance of rosewater and honeysuckle must have filled the air, a turquoise pool in the courtyard transforming the oppressive heat into a delightful coolness, and mural paintings narrating the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Though I reside in the present day, the dream of inhabiting the walls of this dwelling remains a distant fantasy.
The Abbassian household, with its magnificent architecture and artistic embellishments, appears to have emerged from the depths of history, gracing this adobe alleyway with its presence. It seems as if every brick and every tile of this dwelling possesses a tale to tell, and each corner serves as a reminder of the grandeur and magnificence of a bygone era. A visit to this historical residence embarks one on a journey through time, a journey that commences amidst the oppressive heat of Kashan's alleyways and culminates in the delightful coolness of the Abbasiyan household's interior. A journey brimming with beauty, history, and splendor.
Perhaps in a separate article, I shall delve into the intricacies and mysteries of the Abbasiyan household. For now, however, my focus lies solely on drawing the attention of travelers to the sunken courtyards, these architectural masterpieces of Iranian ingenuity.
As we step from the oppressive heat of Kashan's alleyways into the Abbassian household's courtyard and descend a few steps into the depths of the earth, a world apart seems to unfold at the heart of the soil. A world brimming with coolness, tranquility, and freshness, soothing the soul and invigorating the senses.
A sunken courtyard, or 'goudal-baghcheh,' is a type of courtyard constructed below ground level. This ingenious innovation in traditional Iranian architecture serves as a clever response to the scorching heat of desert regions. By situating the sunken courtyard deep within the earth, the direct exposure to sunlight is reduced, creating a cool and delightful space for the household's inhabitants.
Within these sunken courtyards, we witness an artistic fusion of architecture and nature. A turquoise-hued pool graces the center of the courtyard, infusing the ambiance with freshness and vitality. Lush trees and vibrant flowers provide a cool canopy and an enchanting fragrance. And the towering adobe walls embrace this small desert paradise like a warm embrace.
These sunken courtyards, not only pleasing to the eye in their aesthetic beauty, also bestow a multitude of benefits upon the household's inhabitants. These cool and delightful spaces provide a safe and charming haven during the oppressive summer heat, offering a refuge for leisurely pursuits and family gatherings. Moreover, sunken courtyards play a crucial role in natural air conditioning, aiding in the cooling of the interior spaces.
Exemplary specimens of sunken courtyards can be found in Iran's desert cities, such as Kashan, Nain, and Yazd. The Abbassian household, boasting one of Iran's most exquisite and renowned sunken courtyards, gleams like a resplendent jewel amidst the Kashan desert.
When venturing into one of Kashan's ancient dwellings, dedicate a moment to admiring its sunken courtyard, this masterpiece of Iranian architecture. Not only with your eyes, but with all your senses, you shall experience this delight. With each step into this cool and enchanting haven, it seems as if you are stepping into another world, a world brimming with tranquility, security, and freshness.
Five captivating details that my five senses have captured from within these sunken courtyards:
1. An Unparalleled Sense of Security:
Venture to the courtyard's heart, and alongside the turquoise pool, close your eyes for a moment. A profound sense of security envelops your entire being. It is as if you have retreated from the cares and anxieties of the world, sheltered within the warm and secure embrace of the household.
Perhaps the primary source of this sensation lies in the elevation difference between the sunken courtyard's floor and the house's roof. Sunken courtyards are typically constructed one level below the alleyway's surface, and this disparity in elevation instills a sense of refuge and a sturdy fortress.
Within this secure haven, you seem shielded from the turmoil and unrest of the external world, free to indulge in tranquil and delightful moments alongside your family and friends.
2. An Oasis of Coolness in the Heart of the Desert
Amidst the sweltering heat of summer, when the sun beats down upon the city with its unrelenting might, sunken courtyards emerge as havens of refreshing coolness, offering a sanctuary to the inhabitants of these desert dwellings.
The cool earth of the sunken courtyard absorbs the scorching heat, channeling it towards the cool depths of the cellar. This circulation of air generates a gentle and delightful breeze within the tranquil courtyard, as if a spring breeze has wafted through the oppressive summer heat.
In this absolute stillness, only the murmur of leaves rustling in the cool breeze reaches the ear, imparting a sense of freshness and tranquility upon the soul. If fortune favors you and the surroundings are not overly crowded, you too may lend an ear to the music of the leaves.
3. A Refuge of Silence amidst the Bustle
In the heart of the city's clamor, amidst the throngs of tourists and passersby, sunken courtyards emerge as sanctuaries of tranquility, offering the absolute silence of the desert.
Earth serves as an unparalleled sound barrier. Even on the busiest days of the year, when the surrounding alleyways teem with life, an absolute stillness reigns within the depths of the sunken courtyard. It seems as if time has paused within this secure refuge, and no sound from the external world penetrates its embrace.
In this absolute silence, only the murmur of leaves in the cool breeze and the gentle trickle of water in the pool reach the ear. It is as if you have been immersed in a vacuum, where nothing exists but tranquility and absolute silence.
In these moments, serene and silent memories of home dance through your mind, and a profound sense of tranquility and security envelops your entire being. It is as if you have sought refuge in the warm and intimate embrace of Mother Nature, liberated from the cares and anxieties of the external world.
4. The Pulsating Heart of the Desert Home
As you stand in the heart of the courtyard, cast your gaze upon the towering adobe walls that surround you. These walls, stretching as high as the house's roof, are crafted from the very earth excavated from the sunken courtyard. The bricks and adobe employed in the construction of this dwelling have been drawn from the earth's depths and brought to life.
Indeed, you stand at the very center of this desert home, the point from which all things began. The sunken courtyard serves not merely as a cool and delightful space for leisure but also as the throbbing heart and pulsating lifeblood of this dwelling.
The earth extracted from this pit forms the primary material for the construction of the walls, roof, and other components of the house. It is as if this pit has breathed its own essence into the house's very fabric, imbuing it with life.
Standing in this spot instills in you a profound sense of oneness with the history and culture of this home. It is as if you have journeyed back through time, witnessing the stages of this house's construction and evolution.
5. A Bond with the Lifeblood in the Heart of the Desert
As you stand in the courtyard, cast your gaze upon your surroundings. One of the sunken courtyard's entrances leads downward via a few steps, reaching a spot where the enchanting sound of flowing water beckons.
A primary reason for excavating sunken courtyards at the heart of desert homes was to gain proximity to the qanat water source. In a desert city, water represents the essence of life, the vital artery pulsating through existence, and access to it assumes paramount importance.
The tale of water in the desert and its dwellings is a rich and captivating narrative that demands a separate account. However, in this moment, as you stand amidst the courtyard, pause to ponder the short distance that separates you from the point where water flows into the home.
Everything in the desert and its dwellings originates from one point: water!
The presence of the sunken courtyard alongside the water source establishes an unbreakable bond between the household's inhabitants and the lifeblood that sustains them. It is as if with every drop of water that cascades into the home, freshness and vitality course through its veins, imbuing it with renewed life.
The enchanting sound of flowing water, a soothing and soul-stirring melody, breaks the absolute silence of the sunken courtyard, rekindling hope and vitality within the hearts of the household's occupants.
As you stand amidst one of the sunken courtyards gracing the traditional homes of Kashan, I entreat you to ponder the five experiences I have recounted, allowing a unique and profound sensation to blossom within your being. Life, my dear reader, is but a tapestry of experiences woven together, and the sharing of these experiences enriches the very fabric of our existence. Therefore, venture into the heart of a Kashan courtyard, even if for but a few fleeting moments, and immerse yourself in the essence of life itself.
