The city of Tehran was a little town during the Zand dynasty, but significant from a strategic point of view. The first of the Qajar kings, Agha Mohammed Khan, named Tehran as the country's capital in 1778, and most of its growth started during the reign of a subsequent Qajar monarch, Fath-Ali Shah. The castle that Agha Mohammed Khan had built was to contain the new majestic buildings. With a 200-year history, Tehran is a city of all four seasons. The highest registered temperature in Tehran has been 42 degrees centigrade, while the low has been registered as 8 degrees below zero. The oldest historical monuments of Tehran date back to the Qajar period.
Tehran Attractions
Tehran Grand Bazaar
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar is much more than an old historical bazaar, yet it is still acting as a vital economic center of Tehran. This bazaar is so grand that you could lose your way, but anything you can name can be found in this bazaar. This bazaar is mostly very crowded throughout the day.
Tabi’at Bridge / Nature Bridge Tehran
The Nature Bridge in Tehran consists of a 270-meter 3-level bridge connecting 2 parks in Tehran. The Tabi’at Bridge is probably the most beautiful piece of urban architecture built since the revolution. This bridge was opened in 2014 and has since become a popular hang-out spot for Iranians. There are a variety of dining options on this bridge, as well as a relaxing view.
Azadi Tower
The Azadi Tower is a famous icon of Iran, known as the Shah’s Memorial Tower before the revolution, marking the west entrance to Tehran and is part of the Azadi Cultural Complex. The Azadi Tower was built to mark the 2,500th anniversary of the foundation of the Imperial State of Iran by architect Hossein Amanat who based the design upon classical Iranian architecture.
Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Built during the Qajar era, the Golestan Palace has been rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage status. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Tehran.
Museum of the Qasr Prison
The Qasr Prison takes you into the Pahlavi-era prison complex, renowned for psychological and physical torture. Former prisoners are still guided here some days and will share memories of their torture, including broken teeth and amputated limbs. The Prison gardens have been turned into a beautiful park.
Saad Abad Museum Complex
The Saad Abad Museum complex was built by the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs in a similar pattern to the oil-rich rulers of Saudi and the Gulf States today. This complex consists of natural forests, qanats, and buildings. For those with a passion for vintage sports cars, there’s a collection of royal cars at the complex.
Niavaran Palace
The Niavaran Palace, like Golestan Palace, is the No. 1 destination for tourists in Tehran. The palace is a collection of museums and galleries.
Saint Sarkis Cathedral
Don’t miss the chance to visit this church on Villa Street. The Saint Sarkis Cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic was constructed in 1970. It is a single-nave church built out of concrete whose exterior and interior walls and floors are covered with white marble. The walls above the altar and its two sides are covered with exquisite paintings showing Bible themes, such as Saint Mary with Jesus, the Ascension of Christ into heaven, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Conclusion
Tehran, the vibrant heart of Iran, stands as a testament to the country's rich history and its dynamic push towards modernity. As the capital city, it is a tapestry woven with the threads of tradition and progress, where the echoes of ancient civilizations blend seamlessly with the pulse of contemporary life. Nestled against the majestic Alborz Mountains, Tehran is not just Iran's political and economic hub but also a cultural melting pot, where every corner has a story to tell. From the bustling bazaars to the serene gardens, from the grandeur of its palaces to the modern silhouette of the Milad Tower, Tehran is a city that invites exploration and rewards curiosity. It is a place where the past is always present, and the future is being shaped by the hands of its industrious people. As Tehran continues to grow and evolve, it remains a symbol of Iran's resilience and ambition, a city that proudly carries the legacy of a civilization that has contributed immensely to the tapestry of human history.
