Tekiyeh Moaven al-Molk

The Tekiyeh Moaven al-Molk is a religious building used during the Shia mourning ceremonies of Muharram, built in the Qajar period (late 19th and early 20th century). It is now open as a museum and contains some of the finest tilework in western Iran — floor-to-ceiling panels depicting scenes from Shia religious history, the Karbala narrative, and portraits of the Qajar royal family.

The craftsmanship is exceptional. The building is not large, but the density and quality of the tilework on every wall and the intricate plasterwork ceilings make it one of the most rewarding art stops in Kermanshah. The custodian can explain the religious significance of the panels. Located near the bazaar, it is easy to combine the two on a single walk.

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The tile panels inside Tekiyeh Moaven al-Molk were created at the turn of the 20th century by masters trained in the Qajar court style, and they depict not only religious scenes but also portraits of real people — including the founding family. One panel shows a formal photograph-style group portrait in tile, with names inscribed below each figure. It is one of the most unusual examples of Qajar art anywhere in Iran.

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