Mian Poshteh Museum Palace, Bandar-e Anzali
The Mian Poshteh Museum Palace is located in a vast area known as Mian Poshteh in Gilan Province, near the city of Bandar-e Anzali. This museum palace is situated near two famous bridges called Anzali and Ghazian. The construction of this building dates back to 1929. The mansion was initially owned by Russian merchant named Khoshtiar, who gifted the building to Reza Shah when the Qajar king paid a visit to Bandar-e Anzali and showed his interest in the palace. The original palace was highly magnificent and unique building, made of wood, but unfortunately, it was ruined in a fire.
After the fire and destruction of Khoshtiar's palace, Reza Shah employed the architect Mazloumian, who was a special architect of the court, ordered him to build a new palace in the same location. The construction of this new one took about four years, with renowned architects and artists involved in the process. The new palace includes eleven rooms, a reception hall, four bathrooms, and toilets, featuring a beautiful sea view. Additionally, the palace is surrounded by a delightful garden of orange and cypress trees, enhancing its beauty.
In 1969, the Mian Poshteh Palace came under the ownership of the Navy, and in 1988, it was converted into a military museum. It was actually reopened to the public as the Naval Museum in 1985, after undergoing several years of restoration. Several old cannons and tanks are on display in the courtyard entrance of the palace. The museum today consists of two parts; The first floor showcases various weapons and military equipment from the Zandiyeh era to the Pahlavi era, while the second floor preserves the palace-like atmosphere. Furniture, beautiful wooden bookshelves, candlesticks, clocks, and ceramic vessels are among the artifacts displayed on the second floor. Some of these objects were gifts from European leaders to Reza Shah, including a radio recorder gifted by Hitler. Other valuable artifacts preserved in this museum palace include a painting of a bustard by Kamal-ol-Molk, a painting attributed to Naser al-Din Shah, a large chandelier artistically crafted from wood, delicate and artistic wooden tables, and many more.
This palace is located on Takavaran Street in the city of Bandar-e Anzali, an astonishing location. It can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city. The best seasons to visit this palace are spring and autumn due to the beautiful garden surrounding it, and the beauty of the mansion is doubled during these times of the year. Additionally, other attractions in Bandar-e Anzali near the Mian Poshteh Palace are recommended to visit. Anzali Wetland, Clock Tower, Bandar-e Anzali Beach, Anzali Forest Park, Mirza Kuchak Khan Jungle Ship, Hafeziyeh in Anzali, Bandar-e Anzali Aquarium, and the beautiful and old Sepah Street are some of the attractions located near this mansion. The Mian Poshteh Museum Palace has been registered as a national heritage of Iran due to its high architectural and artistic value.