Capital of Iran- Tehran

Written by Donovan January 3, 2018 Category: Asia, Iran Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments

Tehran is a conservative city, but it is also home to some of Iranian society’s most liberal strands, particularly behind the closed doors of the tree-lined streets and cul-de-sacs of its northern neighbourhoods.

Hugging the lower slopes of the magnificent, snowcapped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is Iran’s most secular and liberal city. Spend time here – as you should – and you’ll soon realise that the city is so much more than a chaotic jumble of concrete and crazy traffic blanketed by a miasma of air pollution. This is the nation’s dynamic beating heart and the place to get a handle on modern Iran and what its future will likely be. There are many modern amenities from landscaped parks to multi-level motorways, huge gardens and towering skyscrapers. I was pleasantly surprised at the development in Tehran and how fashionably-dressed the young people were.

Exploring this fascinating metropolis will transport you on a journey through more than 250 years of Iranian history – from the glittering Golestan Palace and the adjacent Grand Bazaar to the beautiful Azadi Tower and the notorious former US embassy. Then there are the city’s many excellent museums and serene gardens. In such places, as well as in contemporary cafes, traditional teahouses and on the walking trails in the mountains, you can relax and enjoy all that’s good about Tehran.

Nestled in the upmarket northern district of Tajrish, against the backdrop of the Alborz mountains, sits the Imamzadeh Saleh, the resting place of Saleh, the son of Musa al-Khadhim, the seventh Shia Imam. The pixelated tile work of its azure dome and minarets, mimicking the traditional Safavid style, overlooks the back streets of the Tajrish bazaar. A local pilgrimage site, the shrine houses a fine example of the dazzling mirrored interior common to Iranian mosques.
Milad Tower, which always has events going on from the time it opens until closing hours. Discover shops, get acquainted with wax figures of renowned Iranians, buy concert tickets, grab a bite to eat and, of course, take the elevator to the top and view Tehran from over 305 metres.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qajar-era buildings is a must-see. The entrance ticket grants access inside almost all of the buildings, which, along with some impressive decoration, also house the paintings of Kamal ol-Molk.
Inside the grand state room of Golestan palace.
Adjacent to Golestan Palace is the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. Take a walk and get lost in the labyrinth of paths, while marveling at the architecture. Here you can pick up everything from rugs to handicrafts to brass and copper goods.
Chilling by the beach in winter.

Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Chitgar Park is a man made forest park located on the west of Tehran. It is used daily by Tehran and Karaj citizens for cycling, skating, and camping.
Tabiat (Nature) Bridge at night. Designed by young architect Leila Araghian, this multi-award winning pedestrian overpass has quickly rivaled Azadi Tower and Milad Tower to become a symbol of the city.
During Mehrabad’s status as Tehran’s international airport, it was Azadi Tower, the sentry to the capital city, that welcomed all visitors. A silent witness to Iran’s major historical events, this tower remains Tehran’s most iconic landmark.
Beautiful parks with leaves turning brown in autumn.
Tajrish bazaar with the fresh produce.

It was easy to get around Tehran with the metro and there are several sights in central Tehran to keep you occupied for the whole day. There are two main ways you can pay for tickets. Magnetic tickets cost single/two-trips IR7000/11,0000 (40 cents) between any two stations on the system. Better value and more convenient are stored value cards, which cost an initial IR50,000 including IR35,000 of travel credit. You can buy these and have them topped up at metro stations; using them, each trip fare is significantly cheaper. There are separate train carriages for men and women as the trains can get really crowded during peak hours.

 

 

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