اتاق مهمان

Iranian hospitality treats hosting as one of the central social duties, and having a guest room ready, or at least a clearable couch, is part of how families measure their own home. Even small two-bedroom apartments will reserve the second room as اتاق مهمان, used for storage and ironing the rest of the year, then transformed within an hour the moment a visiting relative confirms the date. In older homes, the مهمان‌خانه was its own institution: a formal room with the best carpet, the best curtains, the silver tea service, the framed family photographs, opened only when guests came. Many older Iranians remember being told as children not to play in that room. The room was for the visitors. Welcoming them well was a matter of family honor.