All You Need to Know About Iranian Korsi

The Korsi was one of the home heating appliances in the not-so-distant past, which is still popular in many regions of Iran. The Korsi table is as old as the appearance of the first structures and seats in Iran because after the discovery of fire, house building, and the construction and weaving of basic life tools, this method has been economical for the middle and low-income sections of the society. With urbanization and the emergence of other heating devices, the use of Korsi became less over time, and people used heaters, stoves, etc. instead.

In addition to the fact that the Korsi creates intimacy between family members due to the regular gathering of family members next to the Korsi, it also has many other advantages that we will mention in this article.

What is a Korsi?

A Korsi is a wooden four-legged piece usually one meter long, one meter wide, and fifty centimeters high, and square or rectangular in shape. It is typically covered with a large quilt that fits the size of the room, usually measuring four by four meters, so that the heat from under the seat does not escape, and the quilt on top is decorated with jajim or termeh.

A mattress is used on each side of the Korsi for people to sit and sleep, and a few cushions, pillows, and backrests are used for sleeping and leaning.

What is Iranian Korsi?

Iranian korsi heater, also known as a korsi table, is a traditional way to stay warm during the cold winter months in Iran. It usually consists of a low table with a heating element placed underneath, often fueled by charcoal or wood. Around this table, people gather, sitting on cushions or small stools, with a thick blanket or quilt draped over their laps to keep warm.

The korsi not only provides physical warmth but also creates a cozy atmosphere for socializing, telling stories, and enjoying hot beverages such as tea or coffee. This communal gathering around korsi has been a cherished tradition in Iranian culture for generations and brings people together on cold winter nights.

Korsi in Iranian Culture

In Iranian culture and tradition, the Korsi is much more than a heating device and has a memorable place as one of the accessories of traditional culture. The pleasant, unique, and lazy heat of the Korsi brought the family members together, and they spent the winter eating winter foods and listening to the stories of their grandfather and grandmother.

In traditional Iranian celebrations such as Yalda Night and Nowruz, Korsi has played a prominent role in gathering family members around each other.

The place where people sit next to the Korsi is related to their role in the family. Usually, the position of the oldest member of the family is the step of the Korsi farthest from the door of the room, and the position of the minors is the place that is closest to the door of the room.

Usually, there were two seats available in the houses of the middle class and nobles, one for the people of the house in a room and the other in the reception room for the guests.

What is Korsi in English?

Korsi in English refers to the traditional Iranian heating system, which usually consists of a low table with a heater underneath and a blanket or quilt draped over it to trap heat. It serves as a gathering place for family and guests in cold weather and provides warmth and comfort.

Types of Korsi

This device has different types that have undergone changes from the past to the present, and we will introduce you to its types below.

Oil-powered

One of the oldest models that used oil to generate heat underneath this device.

Charcoal-powered

In this type, necessary heat is generated using charcoal and a brazier. Of course, it is not recommended to use it because of the risk of burns.

Electric-powered

This type of Korsi is heated by an electric heater or steam and poses the least risk. By simply placing an electric heater underneath it, you can create memorable and nostalgic moments for yourself and your family.

Benefits of Using Korsi

Did you know that Korsi has numerous benefits for your body? It might sound surprising, but this amazing thing can do wonders for you!

Relief from anemia

As the feet warm under the chair, the bone marrow, which is responsible for blood production in the body, starts to work and helps to eliminate anemia in the body.

Cleansing the body

when the feet are placed under it, the blood vessels dilate, and the blood heats up. Note that when the body is in a horizontal position, the blood circulation increases.

Memory enhancement

Heating the feet under this device increases blood circulation. When the blood supply is done faster, more blood moves to the brain and the activity of brain cells increases, which strengthens memory.

Treatment of knee pain, back pain, and arthritis

If you are among the people who suffer from knee pain and back pain, especially in the winter season, be sure to try the Korsi. When the feet are placed under this heating device, the body is warmed from the inside, and this helps to reduce knee pain, back pain, and arthritic rheumatism.

Decreased blood sugar or Blood sugar reduction

When the feet are gently warmed, excess soda and mucus are expelled from the body.

Peaceful sleep

It is interesting to know that when you are sitting under a warm and soft Korsi and are having a good time with your friends, a series of events happen in your body, one of which is the regulation of the body’s glands. Also, this device is very effective in reducing menstrual cramps in women.

Discharge of static electricity from the body

The quilt is made of cotton and wool, and for this reason, it has antistatic properties and conveys a sense of relaxation to the person. It also helps discharge static electricity from the body.

Korsi in East Asian Countries

Korsi is not exclusive to Iran; Southeast Asian countries have also preserved this tradition by updating and adapting Korsi for their modern homes.

Japanese people have a heating system similar to the Iranian Korsi called “Kotatsu.” Kotatsu is a wooden table with a heater underneath, covered with a large quilt.

Modern designers today have placed backrest chairs around a central wooden table, allowing individuals who wish to lie down to utilize the backrests of these chairs for sleeping.

Final Word

Iranian Korsi is an old and popular Iranian tradition that brings warmth and togetherness on cold winter nights in Iran. It not only provides physical warmth but also creates a cozy atmosphere for socializing and enjoying hot drinks.

Korsi offers numerous health benefits, including relieving anemia, detoxifying the body, and treating various pains. Its traditional warmth and comfort have made it a part of Iranian culture that promotes togetherness and well-being in cold weather.

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