Tehran: Capital of Iran
Tehran, the capital city of Iran, is usually the first stop for tourists visiting Iran. Tehran, the biggest city in Iran, is the cultural, economic, and political center of the area. More than half of the country’s basic industries such as electrical, textile, automotive, cement, chemicals, and other industries, as well as many theaters, schools, universities, parks, and museums are located in Tehran. Tehran first became the capital of Iran by Agha Mohammad Khan of the Qajar dynasty in 1796. The rich history of the city attracts tourists from the remotest countries and mesmerizes them with the magnificent glory of Iranian art and architecture with its palaces, royal monuments, admirable architecture, many-colored decorations, and awe-striking mirror work. Tehran is certainly the most “cosmopolitan” city in the country and especially one of the most pleasant cities in Iran.
There’s one never-ending attraction in the city that you can’t avoid either way: the traffic jam of Tehran!
About the Climate of Tehran
Tehran is located 1,200 meters above sea level, making it a bit cooler than other capitals in the Middle East. However, Tehran still has hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Tehran is from late September to early November and from mid-April to early June. Even though more often than not, the city suffers from heavy traffic and air pollution, it manages to present its beauty nevertheless.
Tehran World Heritage Sites
Tehran has one world heritage site, which is:
The Golestan Palace
Gulistan Palace, also known as Rose Garden Palace, is the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city, Tehran. It was originally built in the 16th century by Shah Abbas and later rebuilt during Qajar Era. This palace is one of the oldest historical monuments and a world heritage site in Tehran. The Golestan Palace was once part of a group of royal buildings that were once situated within the walls of Tehran’s Arg “citadel”. Golestan Palace consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Attractions of Tehran
There are some beautiful destinations you shouldn’t miss while visiting Tehran, including:
Azadi Tower
Borj-e Azadi, or Freedom Tower, is a must-see in Tehran. Azadi Tower was commissioned by the last shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and inaugurated in 1971 to celebrate the “2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire” Before the 1979 Revolution it was known as Shahyad Tower, Kings’ Memorial.
Tehran Grand Bazaar
Tehran Grand Bazaar has a role as a vital economic center in Tehran, where you can go to buy ANYTHING! Tehran Grand Bazaar may seem like an endless labyrinth of covered alleys since it’s the largest covered bazaar in the Middle East. The 200-hectare bazaar looks more like a city within a city. Bazaar-e Bozorg-e Tehran is a 20-kilometer covered market in Tehran you definitely should not miss & get lost in the traditional atmosphere of ancient Iranian architecture.
Tajrish Bazaar & Imamzadeh Saleh
One of Tehran’s oldest bazaars, it’s located in northern Tehran. Less touristy and crowded than the Grand Bazaar, Tajrish Bazaar is packed with pretty good quality shops. Do here your shopping if you like to take your time. Also, one of the most famous shrines in Tehran, known as Tajrish Mosque is located within this bazaar.
Golestan Palace
The magnificent Golestan Palace, a defining work of the Qajar era, is one of the oldest buildings in Tehran.
Niavaran Palace
“Kakh-e Niavaran”. The 9000-square-meter complex of Niavaran Palace was originally built in the 19th century during the Qajar dynasty. Later, King “Shah” Mohammad Reza Pahlavi built and renovated many parts of it to use for the residence of the royal family during all seasons except summer.
Saad Abad Complex and Green Palace
“Majmooa Saad Abbad”. Counting some eighteen palaces belonging to the Qajar and Pahlavi kings, Saadabad is a cultural and historical complex. It covers one square kilometer and is located in the north of Tehran.
Tehran Medical View
Tehran, the capital of Iran, has some of the most up-to-date hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment. Tehran's surgeons are some of the most qualified, and active in all medical areas. Tehran is the medical center of Iran; specializing in cardiology, infertility treatment, oncology, ophthalmology, plastic & cosmetic surgery, neurology, dermatology, general surgery, etc.
