HOZ KHANEH - KORSI KHANEH
The Hoz Khaneh is the only blind space in the house, without any windows on the court-yard.Its form is regular and formal among other chambers surrounding the court-yard.The architectural aspect is very noble and embellished with a fountain in the middle; the ceiling is 5 or 6 meters high with a dome at the top.
The role of this basin- room is considered as a passive cooling system in making comfort in vernacular houses.The architectural design is in accordance with the regional climatic conditions ( high effective temperatures and low level of moisture in summer).The water of the ghanat would come to the fountain.In the past, this place was also used to store diary products and on the shelves, big jars with vinegar,sirops,rosewater and jams.
This space is well-protected from the sun and mostly occupied by the owner and his family.This summer livingroom is very appreciated for its coolness. Alcoves and niches inside the thick walls are decorated and furnished in order to make a comfortable, cosy and charming reception hall.
Korsi
A Korsi is a type of low table found in Persia, with a heater underneath it, and blankets thrown over it. It is a traditional furniture of Iranian culture. A family or other gathering sits on the floor around the korsi during meals and special events, like Nowruz (Persian new year). Korsi used to be quite popular for entire families to gather together during yearly Yalda celebrations.
Korsi are generally heated with electric elements or traditionally with a brazier with hot coals placed under the table, and covered with a thick cloth overhanging on all sides to keep its occupants warm. The occupants sit on cushions around the korsi with the cloth over their laps.
A special woven rug called ru-korsi is usually placed over any blankets to protect them from food stains.
http://www.rahgoshaymuseum.com/en/museum-sections/394-hoz-khaneh-korsi-khaneh-en#sigProGalleria478a233274
Korsi and Yalda Tradition
Yalda , Yalda Night / Shab-e Yalda or Shab-e Chelle is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration which has been popular since ancient times. Yalda has a history as long as the Mithraism religion and has a great significance in the Persian calendar.
The tradition of celebrating Yalda dates back to the Mithraism religion and rituals of horning good over evil. Originally, it was believed that last night of the Persian month Azar (November 22-December 21) when winter solstice occurs, is a dark time in which forces of evil are at their highest power. The next day and the first day of the month Day (Dec 22-Jan 19), however, marks the victory of sun–symbol of good–over evil since, days become longer and nights grow shorter; leading up to spring and the Persian New Year, Norooz. On the other hand, the word Yalda means birth which was used by Mithraists to refer to the the birth of Mithra, the Sun God of goodness and strength, light and truth on the earth. Thus, making the birth of Mithra, a happy and celebratory occasion.
Centuries later, when Zoroastrianism was practiced in Iran and some principals of Mithraism were adopted by Iranians, Mithra became the equivalent of Ahura Mazda or the God of Goodness In ancient Persian religion Zoroastrianism, Ahriman is the leader of the enemies who opposed Ahura Mazda . Because Zoroastrians believed in a completely dualistic form of religion, Ahriman is thought to be the first personification of the Devil.
Shabeh Yalda is a time of gathering and celebration for many Iranians.
In Zoroastrian and ancient Iranian traditions, the winter solstice with the longest night of the year was an auspicious day, and included customs intended to protect people from misfortune. On that day, people were advised to stay awake most of the night. To commemorate, people have small parties and gatherings and eat the last remaining fresh fruits from summer. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life, invoking the splendor of Mithra.
Big bowls of mixed nuts (aa-jeel) where shiny, salted pistachios, sunflower seeds, and almonds smile at guests; pink, sweet watermelon (sometimes carved and shaped into pretty objects), a basket of fruits–including plenty of pomegranate–and several plates of Persian pastry are just a few common items decorating the table on Shabeh Yalda at any participating Iranian home.
These items and more are commonly placed on the korsi, a traditional piece of furniture similar to a very short table, covered by a wool or wool-filled blanket. People sit around the Korsi and put their legs under the blanket .
Activities common to celebration of Yalda include staying up past midnight, conversation, eating, reading poems out loud, telling stories and jokes, smoking "Ghelyoon" (water pipe) . Another faded tradition is giving the present of dried fruits and nuts to family and friends in small parchments tied with ribbon.
The most enchanting part of Yalda Night parties, is the reading of Persian poetry and Moshaa-ereh or debate poetry. In Moshaaereh, participants must recite a line of poetry beginning with the last letter of the previous poem read During the long night, Iranians also practice bibliomancy with the poetry of the highly respected mystic Iranian poet, Hafez. This part of the night is often moderated by an elder or anyone who has knowledge of literature. Hafiz, the great 14th century poet whose divine Divan can be found in almost any Iranian household, is often used to sound off these oratory deliberations. Poetry plays a fixed, cherished role in Iranian values and philosophical matters: Questions about life and human nature are often expressed in Persian poetry–hence, Shabeh Yalda is spent reflecting on the transcending messages in these timeless works of art.
Because Shab-e Yalda is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize many things in Persian poetry: separation from a loved one, loneliness and waiting. After Shab-e Yalda a transformation takes place - the waiting is over, light shines and goodness prevails.
http://www.rahgoshaymuseum.com/en/museum-sections/394-hoz-khaneh-korsi-khaneh-en#sigProGalleria85a4e01f67
Nowruz
http://www.rahgoshaymuseum.com/en/museum-sections/394-hoz-khaneh-korsi-khaneh-en#sigProGalleriabcf5b7f37b
