Tehran history

The history of Tehran is a fascinating journey from an inconspicuous village to one of the largest and most significant metropolises in Asia. Although Tehran was not always the capital of Iran, its strategic location and key historical events transformed it into the heart of the country.

Early History and First Mentions

The first settlements on the site of modern Tehran appeared as early as the 6th millennium BC. People settled at the foot of the picturesque Alborz mountain range, finding refuge here from the heat of the southern deserts. For a long time, Tehran was a small village living in the shadow of the more ancient and significant city of Rayy. The name "Tehran" itself, according to one of the most popular versions, comes from a combination of the Persian words "Teh" (bottom) and "Ran" (slope), which can be translated as "the foot of the mountain slope".

Rise and Establishment as Capital

A turning point in the city's history was the destruction of Rayy by the Mongols in the 1220s. Surviving residents moved to the safer Tehran, giving impetus to its development. By the 13th century, the city was mentioned in sources as a notable trading post. However, the decisive role in its fate was played by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, the founder of the Qajar dynasty. In 1786, he moved the capital of Persia to Tehran. This choice was driven by strategic reasons: the location near the mountains provided protection and allowed for control over important trade routes.

Cultural and Economic Growth

Having received capital status, Tehran began to grow rapidly. Initially, its economy was based on agriculture, but the city soon turned into a major centre of trade. Under the rule of the Qajar dynasty, new city walls were erected and iconic architectural structures were built, including the magnificent Golestan Palace. By the end of the 19th century, Tehran's population had increased significantly, and it firmly established itself as the main political, economic, and cultural centre of Iran.

Key Milestones in the History of Tehran

From a humble village to a bustling metropolis, Tehran's history is rich with events that have shaped its modern appearance. Below is a brief chronology of the most important moments in the city's development.

• Around 1228 — The beginning of Tehran's rise following the destruction of the neighbouring, larger city of Rayy by the Mongols, which led to the migration of its inhabitants.
• 1553–1554 — By order of Shah Tahmasp I of the Safavid dynasty, the city was fortified with a wall featuring 114 towers and acquired a large bazaar.
• 1786 — Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, founder of the Qajar dynasty, moves the capital of Persia to Tehran, marking the beginning of its rapid growth.
• Early 19th Century — Under Fath Ali Shah, iconic structures are built, including parts of the Golestan Palace and the Shah Mosque, and the city's population increases significantly.
• 1870–1872 — A large-scale reconstruction of the historical centre is carried out according to the European model; old walls are demolished, and new wide streets are built.
• 1925 — The Pahlavi dynasty comes to power, and Reza Shah begins a new stage of modernising the city, focusing on Western architecture and planning.
• 1930s — New monumental buildings appear in the city, including the National Museum complex and government buildings, forming its modern administrative centre.
• 1943 — Tehran hosts the famous international conference attended by the leaders of the USSR, USA, and UK, which determined the further course of World War II.
• 1971 — To commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, the Azadi Tower (Freedom Tower) is opened, becoming one of the main symbols of the city.
• 1979 — Tehran becomes the epicentre of the Islamic Revolution, which leads to the overthrow of the monarchy and the proclamation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Late 20th - Early 21st Century — The city continues to grow, turning into one of the largest metropolises in Asia with a metropolitan population exceeding 13 million people.

The journey of Tehran from a humble settlement to one of Asia's largest metropolises is full of significant events that defined its modern appearance. The city's history is a kaleidoscope of eras, each leaving its mark on its architecture, culture, and economy.

• Foundation and Establishment as Capital (1786-1796). Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar dynasty, moved the capital of Persia to the small village of Tehran. This step became a turning point in the city's history. Its strategic location at the foot of the Alborz Mountains and proximity to trade routes turned it into an important political and defensive centre.
• The Qajar Era: Growth and Development (19th Century). During the reign of the Qajar dynasty, especially under Fath Ali Shah, Tehran began to grow and develop actively. During this time, the luxurious Golestan Palace complex was erected, becoming a gem of Persian architecture. The city expanded, with new quarters and mosques appearing, and its population reached 150,000 by 1830.
• Modernisation under the Pahlavi Dynasty (1920-1940s). With the rise to power of Reza Shah Pahlavi, a large-scale modernisation of Iran and its capital began. Old city walls were demolished, and wide avenues were laid in their place. European architects were invited to construct new government and commercial buildings, introducing Western features to the city's appearance. The University of Tehran was founded, marking a new stage in cultural and educational development.
• The "White Revolution" and Oil Boom (1960-1970s). The second half of the 20th century, especially during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was marked by rapid economic growth fuelled by oil revenues. This led to a new round of urban planning: modern highways, high-rise buildings, and major urban projects appeared, such as the Azadi Tower (Freedom Tower), built in 1971. The city turned into the country's largest industrial and financial centre.
• The Islamic Revolution and its Impact (1979). The 1979 revolution radically changed the political and social landscape of Iran. For Tehran, this meant not only a change of power but also a transformation of cultural life and urban space. Many streets and squares were renamed, and new symbols reflecting the values of the Islamic Republic appeared in the urban environment.
• Modern Metropolis (Late 20th – Early 21st Century). Today, Tehran is a gigantic metropolis with a population of over 14 million people, serving as the economic engine of the country. Infrastructure development continues, particularly the expansion of the metro network to combat transport issues. The city faces modern challenges such as overpopulation and environmental concerns, yet remains a vibrant cultural and scientific centre.

Tehran's architectural appearance is a kaleidoscope of styles, reflecting its rapid transformation from the capital of the Persian Kingdom into a modern metropolis. Each era has left its unique mark on the urban fabric of the city, creating an eclectic yet harmonious space.

The Qajar Era (Late 18th — Early 20th Century)

Becoming the capital under the Qajar dynasty in 1786, Tehran began to acquire its monumental appearance. The architecture of this period represents a unique synthesis of traditional Persian masonry and European influence, particularly Neoclassicism and Baroque. The brightest example of this style is the Golestan Palace — a complex where mirrored halls, colourful tiles, and graceful iwans (vaulted terraces) coexist with elements of Western architecture. During this period, the historical centre of the city was formed with its famous Grand Bazaar, and the city itself was surrounded by walls.

Modernisation of the Pahlavi Era (1920s — 1970s)

With the Pahlavi dynasty coming to power, a massive reconstruction of Tehran began. In the first stage (1920–1940s) under the leadership of Reza Shah, the city was transformed according to the Western model: old walls were demolished, and wide straight avenues were laid out. The architecture was dominated by monumental Neoclassicism and Art Deco with references to Iran's pre-Islamic heritage (Achaemenid and Sassanid styles). Iconic buildings of that time included the National Museum of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the central railway station.

The second stage (1950–1970s) coincided with the oil boom and was marked by the flourishing of Modernism and Brutalism. During this time, one of the main symbols of the city was built — the Azadi Tower (originally Shahyad), opened in 1971. Its futuristic design, created by architect Hossein Amanat, organically combines principles of modernist architecture with the forms of traditional Iranian arches and towers.

Modern Architecture (From the 1980s to Present)

Post-revolutionary and modern Tehran is characterised by architectural diversity and rapid growth. Alongside massive, sometimes chaotic development, true masterpieces of modern architecture are appearing, in which Iranian architects seek a new language, combining High-tech, Postmodernism, and national traditions. A new dominant feature of the city is the Milad Tower (2007) — the sixth-tallest telecommunications tower in the world, the base of which is designed in the shape of an octagon, characteristic of classical Persian architecture. Another iconic object is the pedestrian Tabiat Bridge ("Nature Bridge"), which has received numerous international awards. Its multi-level, flowing structure created not just a crossing between two parks, but a popular public space symbolising a modern, open, and human-centric approach to urban planning.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Tehran

Throughout its history, Tehran has been the home and centre of attraction for many outstanding figures whose contributions have had a huge impact on the culture, science, and politics not only of Iran but of the entire world. Here are just a few iconic names whose fates are inextricably linked with this capital.

• Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar (1742–1797) — Founder of the Qajar dynasty. His historical significance for the city is invaluable: it was he who moved the capital of Persia to Tehran in 1786, initiating its rapid transformation from a small settlement into the country's main political centre.
• Amir Kabir (1807–1852) — An outstanding Prime Minister (Vizier) under Naser al-Din Shah. He was a key figure in the modernisation of 19th-century Iran, implementing reforms in education, the army, and industry. In Tehran, he founded the country's first secular higher education institution of the European type — Dar ul-Funun, which became a turning point in the development of Iranian science and society.
• Ali Akbar Dehkhoda (1879–1956) — A prominent linguist, writer, and public figure born in Tehran. His main work — the monumental "Dehkhoda Dictionary" — is the most comprehensive explanatory dictionary of the Persian language and a crucial contribution to Iranian lexicography.
• Mahmoud Hessabi (1903–1992) — A famous physicist, often called the "father of modern physics in Iran". Born in Tehran, he received his education in Europe and returned to his homeland to found the University of Tehran and lay the foundations of the modern scientific school in the country.
• Forough Farrokhzad (1934–1967) — One of the most influential Iranian poetesses of the 20th century, as well as a film director. Born and lived in Tehran, she became a symbol of modernism and feminism in Iranian literature. Her bold and candid poetry revolutionised Persian literature.
• Abbas Kiarostami (1940–2016) — A world-renowned film director, screenwriter, and photographer, one of the leaders of the "New Wave" of Iranian cinema. Born in Tehran, he received numerous international awards, including the "Palme d'Or" at the Cannes Film Festival, and brought Iranian cinema fame across the globe.