Emarat-e Mohseni in Behbahan has been sealed shut. The historic site, which had been restored and converted into a hotel-restaurant, was closed by authorities on Tuesday, July 21, at around 12:30 p.m. over the “optional hijab worn by certain patrons” and the “playing of music.”
Emarat-e Mohseni, also known as Cheheldari, is one of Behbahan’s most prominent historical landmarks. Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts previously described the building as an “architectural masterpiece,” noting that it was historically known as the “Forty-Door House” due to its numerous doorways.
The closure follows the recent shutdowns of several popular cafes and restaurants in Tehran, including “Joe Cafe,” “1401,” “Sam Cafe,” “Two Bar,” “Maan,” “Nook,” and “Theory,” located along Sanaee and Iranshahr streets.
While authorities have not formally disclosed the grounds for these actions, reports indicate that the commercial establishments were sealed for reasons related to a “failure to observe Islamic norms.” In recent days, multiple cafes in the same vicinity had received formal warnings from regulatory bodies regarding mandatory hijab compliance and social dress codes.
Secondary justifications cited in some reports for the closures include “obstructing public pathways” and “business permit discrepancies.”
