Tehran, the capital and biggest city of Iran, is the second largest city of western Asia and the third largest in the Middle East with a population of approximately 13 thousand inhabitants. The population of Tehran includes its locals as well as diverse ethnic groups that have moved to this grand city in recent decades, and as a result we can see mixture of traditions throughout this city. The language spoken in the city is Persian language with “Tehrani” accent. The population of Tehran mostly includes Shia Muslims with the minority of population being Sunni Muslims, Christians or followers of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Bahá’í Faith. This grand metropolis has been chosen as the Capital of Iran by Agha Mohammad Khan of Qajar dynasty in the year 1796 and has remained the country’s capital since then.
Being the capital of Iran for such a long time, Tehran has improved a lot throughout these years and now the village near the ruins of the ancient city of Rayy has turned into the biggest city of Iran. About 30% of Iran’s public-sector workforce and 45% of its large industrial firms are located in Tehran, making it the economic heart of the country. Tehran has been through many important historical events and as a result Tehran has a lot of stories to tell to the people. Due to the history of Tehran, this city is wealthy in aspect of cultural attractions and historical sites.
One of the most famous historical sites of Tehran is the glittering Golestan Palace. This sparkling palace at the heart of Tehran is part of the once called “Arg-e-Tehran” which was Tehran’s historical citadel. Golestan palace, as well as other royal buildings was located in elegant gardens, together making a glorious complex. This magnificent complex, which is a UNESCO’s world heritage site, was built during the Safavid dynasty. However it was later refurbished during the Zand dynasty by Karim Khan Zand and it was later chosen as the royal residence of the Qajar kings, when Tehran was chose as the capital of Iran by the first king of Qajar dynasty. Even though several buildings were pulled down by Pahlavi kings during their reign, this complex still houses glorious structures, including palaces, museums and halls that reflect the beauty of Persian history with the mixture of phenomenal Persian art and architecture. One these structures include the spectatcular “Takht-e-Marmar” (Marble Throne) that was built in the earliest years of 19th century, by the order of one of the Qajari kings. This prodigious throne is one of the oldest buildings of the historic arg that was made with the popular yellow marble of Yazd. Other structures include “Khalvate Karim Khani” (Karim Khani Nook), “Emarate Badgir” (Building of the Windcatchers), “Shamsol Emareh” (Edifice of the Sun) and many other great structures built in this magnificent complex. However Golestan Palace is not the only highlight of grand Tehran, other city highlights includes a complex belonged to the royal families of the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasty, the Sa’dabad Complex which contains numbers of Palaces, halls and museums, that reflects the Persian art and its beautiful architecture as well as exhibiting how the royal families lived. However Tehran’s not only about historical sites and building, Tehran has modern structures that are used to symbolize this city. One of these structures is the Azadi Tower; a monument located on Azadi Square which together with its underground museum it is part of the Azadi Complex. This architectural masterpiece was made by the architect “Hosein Amanat” by the order of the last Shah (king) of Iran. This monument was built for the 2,500th anniversary of foundation of Imperial state of Iran. Another structre that symbolizes Tehran is the Milad Tower, the tallest tower in the Middle East which is a part of the international trade and convention center of Tehran. This tower also includes a world trade center, convention center, an IT park, and other places. Milad Tower provides a beautiful panoramic 360 degree view of Tehran city.
Tehran has many other sites and attractions that together make this city a major destination for tourists!