Reviving Tradition: Wooden Balconies Making a Comeback in Bushehr

Wooden balconies, commonly referred to as Shanashir, have recently garnered significant attention from the Bushehr Cultural Heritage Department. These architectural features are reminiscent of the Shanasheel found in Basra, Iraq. Ongoing studies aim to register these unique elements as an integral part of the traditional architecture in both Bushehr and Basra, according to a report by ILNA.

The Shanashirs of Bushehr are distinguished elements of the native architecture along the Persian Gulf coast, embodying the concepts of introversion and extroversion found in traditional houses in this region. These wooden balconies are adorned with intricately cut-out letters and words, contributing to their unique aesthetic appeal.

Both Iranian Shanashirs and Iraqi Shanasheels serve as shuttered wooden balconies that extend in front of the upper-floor windows of traditional houses. Their thoughtful design allows light and air to flow freely into the buildings while preserving privacy. From behind these wooden structures, residents can enjoy a view of the outside world without being seen from the street.

Ali Mahini, the cultural heritage chief of Bushehr, describes Shanashirs as remarkable examples of indigenous architecture, particularly suited for the hot and humid climate of the region. He emphasizes their aesthetic and functional importance in the historical monuments of Bushehr.

According to the latest surveys conducted by the Bushehr Cultural Heritage Department, approximately 30 percent of the houses in the historical area of Bushehr feature Shanashirs. Notable houses such as Tabib Mansion, Dehdashti Mansion, Golshan-e Irani Mansion, and Behbahani Mansion have been officially registered on the National Heritage List. Efforts are also underway to document additional historical buildings to gradually include more houses with these unique wooden balconies in the National Heritage List.

Regarding the condition of Bushehr’s historical houses, Mahini states, “In general, protective measures have been implemented within the framework of the Bushehr historical texture restoration plan to mitigate environmental damage to these buildings. Some houses urgently require restoration due to deterioration and adverse climatic conditions, and their restoration is a priority for the Bushehr Cultural Heritage Department.”

Mahini also notes the architectural similarities between the shuttered houses of Bushehr and Basra, attributing these to the historical and cultural ties between the two regions. He explains that the development of these shuttered structures is a result of the cultural and commercial exchanges that have occurred along the Persian Gulf over centuries.

There is potential for the global registration of these shuttered wooden balconies as a shared architectural heritage of both Iran and Iraq. Mahini highlights the feasibility of registering this architectural style as a common heritage from both nations from a technical and legal standpoint.

A preliminary study to prepare a proposal for the possible inclusion of Bushehr Shanashirs on the UNESCO World Heritage List is currently on the agenda of the Bushehr Cultural Heritage Department. In collaboration with Iraqi authorities, a joint file featuring the traditional wooden shuttered balconies may be submitted for consideration.

Several key initiatives are being pursued to restore and revive historical houses while incorporating Shanashirs into the architectural landscape of Bushehr. These include:

• Encouraging private investors to restore and upgrade traditional houses for eco-tourism purposes.
• Organizing educational and cultural tours aimed at showcasing houses with Shanashirs.
• Collaborating with the Persian Gulf University to document the architecture that features Shanashirs scientifically.
• Producing educational content to promote Shanashirs as a model of sustainable architecture suitable for hot and humid climates.

Mahini underscores that Shanashirs are not just architectural features but integral elements of the historical and cultural identity of Bushehr. They symbolize the connection between the region’s inhabitants and their environment, particularly the sea and climate. The preservation, restoration, and promotion of this architectural element are crucial steps toward safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Persian Gulf coast and advancing its recognition on a global scale.

In conclusion, Mahini expresses hope that the ongoing initiatives to restore and recognize the significance of Shanashirs in Bushehr’s architecture will not only safeguard this heritage but also encourage its integration into the daily lives of Bushehr’s residents, thereby rejuvenating this vital architectural legacy within the traditional buildings of the region.