Architecture of Tehran

Tehran is a relatively old city. As such, it has an architectural tradition unique to itself.

Despite the occurrence of earthquakes during the Qajar period and before, some buildings still remain from Tehran's era of antiquity. However, most of Tehran's architecture has been obliterated by the wave of hasty modernization that swept through the capital 40-50 years. Of the 8 city gates of old Tehran, none remain today.

Tehran's growth beganm with the Qajar dynasty declaring Tehran as their capital. Soon many palaces were built and by the late 1970s, Tehran had grown so large that Ray, a former satellite and city in itself, became connected to the ever expanding "Greater Tehran".

The Qajar culture flowered into a mature form of vernacular architecture, and many relics today remain of this tradition. Most are however government offices and resident of the royal elite. The "Kushak" of Ahmad Shah in the Niavaran Palace Complex is a fine example of this tradition.

Pahlavi architecture tried incorporating themes from European Modern architecture. The "White House" of Sadabad Palace or the main Palace of Niavaran are examples of this style of design.

Despite the chaotic sprawl of Tehran, many designers are gradually incorporating aesthetics in their designs, and international awards have been given to projects in the city. [http://www.akdn.org/agency/akaa/eighthcycle/page_08txt.htm] [http://www.akdn.org/news/akaa_171002.html]

The architectural development of Tehran according to Richard Frye

Prominent Iranologist Richard Nelson Frye, launched the May 2004 Tehran architecture conference [http://www.citiesproject.org/tehran/tehran_press.htm] with a candid rebuke of the architectural development of Tehran. He stated that the municipal authorities have turned their backs on Tehran's heritage and looked toward the West- Paris, London and New York— for inspiration. "I think they abandoned Tehran", he is quoted as saying.

:"Innovation, yes. But not slavish copying. Forgetting your heritage, forgetting your background is not recommended"."

Frye continued that modern buildings in Tehran should maintain a Persian style and sensibility and "not be a copy of the bad architecture that sweeps the world in globalization", he remarked.

:"I think it’s essential that the heritage of a people be preserved. If Wal Mart came to Isfahan, what would happen to the bazaar?"

Frye has urged Iranians to work hard to preserve their identity. [http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0408/iran.html]

ee also

*Architecture of Iran
*A.S.P. Towers
*Borj-e beinolmelal-e Tehran
*Bāgh-e Ferdows

Links

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* [http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2004/04-080.html Library of Congress on Tehran's Architectural Conference]
* [http://usinfo.state.gov/mena/Archive/2004/Jun/02-723030.html US State Dept on the Conference]
* [http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/IR/TehranShahyadTower.html On the Shahyad (Azadi) Tower]
* [http://www.tehran24.com Photos from the changing face of Tehran]