Kashan is a city between Tehran and Isfahan and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Iran. The town holds 1,700 historical monuments, but its most unique location is perhaps the Bazaar of Kashan. There are many worthwhile buildings inside the bazaar. Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan or Timcheh Aminoddole is one such building.
The Bazaar of Kashan was destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century. This bazaar was restored in the era of Fath Ali Shah and Naser al-Din Shah (the kings of the Qajar period). In the second half of the 19th century and near the end of the Qajar period, a caravanserai named Aminoddole was built inside the market.
Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is a historical building registered on the Iranian national heritage site in 1974 due to its unique characteristics. This caravanserai was built by Jalalat Ma’ab Aminoddole, which is the basis for the building’s name. The construction of the building started in 1864 and ended in 1869.
The Difference Between the Functions of Caravanserai and Timcheh
Timcheh is a term for a small caravanserai. In fact, “Tim” means caravanserai, and “Cheh” is a suffix meaning small.
A caravanserai is practically a motel and a place for travelers to rest. But Timcheh is a place where traders operate. A Timcheh is where precious and hefty goods such as carpets, rugs, and luxury textiles are stored and presented for sale. Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is the center for selling beautiful handmade carpets in Kashan.
Kashan carpet is one of the most exquisite models of carpets in the world. Handmade Kashan carpets are classified into Torant, Kheshti, and Afshan.
Timchehs in Iranian Architecture
In Iranian architecture, Timcheh is a part of the bazaar, similar to the Rasteh (lane) of the bazaar. Timcheh is a covered structure built in relatively smaller dimensions and is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the bazaar. Timcheh ceilings are coated with decorations such as Karbandi (coffering), Muqarnas work, and more.
Caravanserais are usually connected to the bazaar’s main street from one side and to a caravanserai on the other. Almost all Timchehs include loading areas. The lower floor of Timcheh is used for commercial purposes or as a workshop, and the upper floor is used as an administrative building or office.
At its main entrance, Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan follows the principle of “Hijab”, or veiled design in traditional Iranian architecture.
The beauty and glory of the Timcheh cannot be seen before entering its lane of the bazaar. Today, this Timcheh features chambers that sell antiques and precious handmade carpets.
Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is a covered structure located at the crossroads of the bazaar of Kashan. This Timcheh is one of the geometric masterpieces of the bazaar of Kashan, and it is located in the southern wing of the shoemaker’s bazaar and front of the Mianchal bazaar.
Architectural Features of Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan
Aminoddole Caravanserai is decorated with unique embellishments and is the primary part of the bazaar of Kashan. This caravanserai, with a beautiful ceiling and a wide opening, connects the four sides of the bazaar. This small caravanserai is located at the very center of the bazaar of Kashan.
The caravanserai is in the shape of a square prism. This prism has small vaults on its ceiling and exceptionally unique decorations. This architectural style is considered one of the geometric masterpieces of the Qajar period.
The roof of the caravanserai is vaulted and decorated with bricks and tiles in the Iranian architectural style. There is beautiful Muqarnas work on the ceiling as well. You can find traditional cafes in the area.
In the past, Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan had wooden doors and sashed windows that opened upward. Today, these doors and windows have been changed with glass varieties.
Two wooden doors were installed for the caravanserai, which opened to the bazaar. One of these doors led to a small octagonal courtyard from four sides. The other door opened to the large rectangular courtyard on the south side.
In addition, three large openings in the roof illuminate the area. At noon, sunlight shining on the caravanserai through the windows and holes creates a lovely view.
Do Not Miss Visiting This Attraction
Kashan is a charming city famous for its handmade carpets. Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is one of the best places to buy beautiful Persian rugs. If you travel to Kashan on any Iran tours or by yourself, visit this caravanserai.
Destination Iran recommends reading about Kashan tourist attractions before traveling to this city. Some research will help you have a more productive trip by visiting other tourist destinations in Kashan.
Where is Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan?
Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is located in the city of Kashan and is the city’s traditional bazaar. You can see the exact location of this team below:
Frequently Asked Questions About Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan
To find the answers to your other questions, contact us through the comments section of this post. We will answer your questions as soon as possible.
In which part of the traditional bazaar of Kashan is Aminoddole Caravanserai located?
Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan is a covered structure at the crossroads of the bazaar of Kashan, in the southern wing of the shoemaker’s market, in front of the Miansal market.
What period does Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan belong to?
It was built inside the bazaar of Kashan during the second half of the 19th century, near the end of the Qajar dynasty.
What are the architectural features of Aminoddole Caravanserai of Kashan?
Aminoddole Caravanserai is in the shape of a square-based prism. There are small vaults on the ceiling with unique decorations. This architectural style is one of the geometric masterpieces of the Qajar period. The roof of Timcheh is vaulted and decorated with bricks and tiles in the style of Iranian architecture. You can see stunning Muqarnas work on the ceiling.
What was the use of Timcheh Caravanserai in the past?
Timchehs were the covered sections in the bazaars connected to one lane of the main bazaar. Timchehs had less foot traffic and were more secure. They held chambers selling precious items such as rugs, handmade carpets, and jewelry.
What does the word Timcheh mean?
Timcheh means small caravanserai. Of course, caravanserais were places for travelers to rest, While Timcheh is a part of the bazaar where traders operate.
