IFP Exclusive

Oil Extraction’s Traditional Method in Iran’s Shahreza

The ancient Assarkhaneh (seed oil extraction workshop) in the Iranian city of Shahreza is a historic site which dates back to 300 years ago.

The oil extraction workshop is constructed in a 700-sqm area, with a built-up area of 500 square metres. It is located next to the 900-year-old bazaar of Shahreza.

“Assari” in Persian means extracting the essence from a substance. The person doing this is called an “Assar,” and the place where seed oil is extracted is called “Assarkhaneh.”

After plant seeds are ground, they are made into paste which is then be placed in a pit using special moulds. Then the paste is pressed with a large piece of wood to extract the seeds’ oil. The extracted oil is then put into clay pots to be used as fuel for oil-burning lamps for lighting. The seeds’ waste is collected and sold as fertilizer.

Today, this type of oil is used to preserve camel hide and dye rug yarn.

The following are Mehr’s photos of Shahreza’s Assarkhaneh- oil extraction workshop:

Fatemeh Askarieh

Fatemeh Askarieh is an Iranian journalist working on a range of fields including culture, art, lifestyle, cultural heritage, and tourism. She has been working with the Iran Front Page (IFP) Media Group for 10 years, and is currently the head of the Art and Lifestyle Department.

Recent Posts

President Pezeshkian emphasizes need for improved foreign relations

In a consultative meeting on foreign policy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that to achieve…

2 hours ago

Qatar’s Emir orders cabinet reshuffle

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has appointed six new ministers in a…

2 hours ago

Netanyahu plans to push for West Bank annexation when Trump takes office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to push for annexing the occupied West Bank when…

2 hours ago

Aid groups say Israel missed US deadline to enhance humanitarian help for Gaza

Israel has failed to meet United States demands to allow greater humanitarian access to the…

2 hours ago

Putin hopes to recapture lost territory in Kursk before Trump’s inauguration: Report

NATO allies believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aiming to recapture territory lost to…

8 hours ago

Iran does not rule out direct talks with US, advises Trump to avoid past mistakes

The Iranian government spokeswoman has not ruled out direct Iran-US talks under the new US…

9 hours ago