Nestled in the heart of Tehran, the House of Ettehadieh—also known as the Amin-ol-Sultan House—holds a rich legacy woven into the fabric of Iran’s modern history. Exploring its past reveals stories that range from royal visits and political transformations to cultural lime stones and times when parts of the house were lost. From the footsteps of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar passing through its halls, to its connection with Iran’s Constitutional Revolution, and even its role as a filming location for the beloved TV series My Uncle Napoleon, this historic residence has witnessed it all.
Mirza Ali Asghar Khan Amin-ol-Sultan, famously known as Atabak-e A’zam, was a prominent statesman during the Qajar dynasty, serving under three monarchs: Naser al-Din Shah, Mozaffar al-Din Shah, and Mohammad Ali Shah. Deeply involved in the political affairs of his time and linked with foreign interests, his life ended when he was assassinated by Abbas Agha Tabrizi amid the constitutional movement.
The estate was originally purchased from Naser al-Din Shah by his father and later inherited by Amin-ol-Sultan. Today, the House of Ettehadieh stands as a two-story architectural gem that reflects both elegance and history.
The house’s grand entrance, framed by a beautifully curved arch, immediately captures attention. On its northeastern side, a smaller building features exquisite muqarnas—an ornamental design unique to Persian architecture. These intricate, three-dimensional decorations, crafted from brick, plaster, or tile, adorn the walls up to a height of two meters, showcasing the masterful artistry and craftsmanship of the era.
Within the garden’s center and northern sections stands another structure, opposite which there is a pool. The entrances to this building are adorned with delicate plasterwork, and its facade features impressive decorative pillars. To the south of the Amin-ol-Sultan House, a two-story building with a sloped roof has also been added.
Nevertheless, the most captivating part of the House is its grand entrance gate. Though its original grandeur has faded over time due to ownership changes and various damages, the intricate molding at the base of the entrance arch still commands attention.
Spanning approximately 9,000 square meters, this historic residence’s core was built during Naser al-Din Shah’s reign, with additional sections added later. Situated on Lalehzar Street in Ettehadieh Alley, the Amin-ol-Sultan House holds a prominent place in Tehran’s architectural heritage.
However, the legacy of this prime minister’s residence did not end with him. After Amin-ol-Sultan’s assassination, his numerous heirs—estimated to be around 150—divided the property and sold off many parts. The lands sold eventually made way for the construction of the Jahan Cinema, Shahrzad Cinema, and several other buildings along Lalehzar Street.
The remaining parts of the Amin-ol-Sultan House were acquired in 1916 (1295 AH) by Haj Rahim Ettehadieh, a prominent landowner in Tehran, who later divided the property among his children. Haj Rahim Ettehadieh passed away in 1934 (1313 AH).
In July 2005 (Tir 1384), the House of Ettehadieh was officially registered as a national heritage site in Iran. However, the Cultural Heritage Organization seemingly failed to properly preserve the property. Consequently, a group of owners filed a legal appeal to have the house removed from the heritage list. The Administrative Justice Court ruled in their favor, leading to the delisting of the Amin-ol-Sultan House.
In October 2015 (Mehr 1394), the Tehran Beautification Organization purchased the House of Ettehadieh for 28 billion tomans, incorporating it into the municipality’s assets. This historic residence is also well known as the filming location for the acclaimed television series My Uncle Napoleon, directed by Nasser Taghvai.
