In the very heart of the beautiful city of Borjomi, anyone fortunate enough to visit this bountiful land has surely laid eyes on a magnificent mansion that captivates with its lightness, elegance, and extraordinary appearance. The house blends seamlessly into the urban landscape, set against the backdrop of towering, verdant mountains. Undoubtedly, many would dream of having such a summer residence; however, this privilege was bestowed solely upon the Persian consul and General Mirza-Riza-Khan, who initiated its construction in 1892. Today, this mansion stands as one of the main symbols and attractions of Borjomi, currently operating as a hotel. Unfortunately, the historical interiors within have not survived the passage of time.
The name “Firuz” (translated as “turquoise”) was given to the house because its balcony is adorned with turquoise stones. Throughout the 20th century, this building served various purposes, functioning as a hotel, a sanatorium, and even a museum. The original architecture of “Firuz,” with its extensions and striking blue color, draws the attention of tourists. The roof and balcony are crafted from wood, featuring intricate carvings that bear the name of the owner.
As is fitting for any historic building, the story of the Firuz house is steeped in mystery and tragedy.
The construction of this house is linked to an astonishing, enigmatic, and, most importantly, deeply tragic tale. One of the builders and the architect behind this splendid mansion was a hereditary Azerbaijani architect named Yusuf, the son of the renowned master Hassan. A calamity befell Yusuf. He was deceitfully lured to Tiflis, to his parents’ home. There, under the roof of his childhood house, a drama unfolded. The young master and his parents were murdered by a dervish who sought to extract some secret from Yusuf.
The true motives behind the murder remain unknown, but this entire story is recounted in the novel “White, Red, Black” by Belgian writer Tegül Mar. After the consul’s death, the house passed into the ownership of the city.