About Azadi
Our history at Sakhara & Ajianeh is closely tied to the construction of Azadi Tower, thanks to the invaluable contributions of the late Ghafar Davarpanah. His role in sourcing and producing the required stone materials, as well as his continuous supervision during the installation process until the project’s completion, was instrumental in shaping this architectural masterpiece.
This deep connection led us to launch the “About Azadi” campaign, aimed at shedding light on the influential figures behind the project, the collective teamwork that brought it to life, and the overlooked technical aspects of its design and construction. Our goal is to document and share these insights in various formats.
The research and documentation phase of the campaign was led by Meraj Ghanbari, a researcher and writer, who gathered a wealth of images, documents, and most of the articles related to the design and construction of Azadi Square. He also reconnected with key individuals involved in the project. Over the past year, parts of this research have been shared through more than 40 articles and social media posts on Sakhara & Ajianeh’s platforms.
Another major initiative within the campaign is the planning and production of a documentary film about Azadi Tower. Additionally, the creation and donation of a stone sculpture of the Azadi Tower to the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, and the organization of the “About Azadi” event at the Parsian Esteghlal Hotel, are key milestones of this project. Below is a summary of the event.
Event Report
More than half a century ago, on the western edge of Tehran, a monument was constructed that became a symbol of modern Iran. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most important political, social, and cultural landmarks of the country. Originally known as Shahyad Square, and now Azadi Square, this monument is intertwined with the memories and lives of many Iranians. The tower stands as a tribute to 28 months of relentless effort and dedication.
Exactly 53 years later, on the evening of October 21, the “About Azadi” event was held at Parsian Esteghlal Hotel, hosted by Sakhara & Ajianeh. The gathering aimed to honor and celebrate the contributions of those who played crucial roles in the construction of the Azadi Tower, including:
- Hossein Amanat (Architect)
- Mohammad Pourfathi
- Ghafar Davarpanah
- Rouhollah Nik Khesal
- Ali Kamarei
- Manouchehr Iranpour
- Fouad Rafiei
- Mohammad Foroughi
- Hossein Khodami
- Iraj Haghighi
- Eskandar Arjmand
- Behrooz Ahmadi
- Ghanbar Rahimi
The late Ghafar Davarpanah, the founder of Sakhara, was responsible for sourcing and producing the stone materials used in Azadi Tower during its construction.
The event brought together renowned stonemasons, architects, and master craftsmen, as well as distinguished guests, including:
- Mohammad Beheshti (Former Head of the Fajr Film Festival and Farabi Foundation, and a senior member of the Cultural Heritage Council)
- Seifollah Samadian (Photographer and Filmmaker)
- Bijan Shafiei (Author of Roland Dubrulle: The Architecture of Memory)
- Shahrouz Shayegan (Member of the Iranian Architecture Masters Association and Tehran University Alumni Association)
- Hamed Mazaherian (Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran)
Speeches and Key Highlights
The event began with a speech by Amir Saman Mirzaei, CEO of Sakhara & Ajianeh. He reflected on his childhood memories of Azadi Tower, saying:
“As a child, traveling to Mehrabad Airport filled me with excitement. The moment we neared the airport, a large white mass would appear—its turquoise patterns evoking a sense of mystery, grandeur, and awe. Over time, my connection with this monumental structure deepened, whether it was waiting under its shadow for someone or witnessing historical events where, as Hossein Amanat once said, Azadi Tower embraced the people like a father.”
He also shared his personal journey with Ghafar Davarpanah, stating:
*“Through time, I came to know the man who created this white masterpiece and played a vital role in its construction—Master Ghafar Davarpanah. Conversations with him allowed me to go beyond the beauty of the tower’s stone and explore its deeper dimensions—the *purpose behind its creation, the precision in its calculations, and most importantly, the vision and spirit that made such a grand monument possible.”
Mirzaei further explained the reason for organizing this event, saying:
“We are here today to rediscover and celebrate Azadi Tower, to give it the recognition it truly deserves. More importantly, we are here to honor the great individuals who left their mark on history. Names are just names, but actions—when driven by passion and commitment—are what truly endure. Let’s strive for a prosperous and enduring Iran.”
Following this, Shahrouz Shayegan posed a thought-provoking question:
“Why haven’t we built another masterpiece like Azadi Tower in recent years?”
He highlighted that the tower was not the work of a single architect but a harmonious collaboration between the client, contractors, and designers. He added:
“Fifty-five years ago, despite having far fewer resources, the effective management, expertise, and cooperation of the project’s leaders resulted in this architectural marvel. Today, however, mismanagement and unnecessary interventions have raised concerns about preserving this masterpiece.”
Shayegan also emphasized the crucial role of the British engineering firm Ove Arup, which has been behind landmark projects like the Sydney Opera House and Beijing National Stadium, stating:
“The collaboration between Hossein Amanat, a young and relatively inexperienced Iranian architect, and a globally renowned firm was a tremendous advantage. Today, eight decades after its founding, Ove Arup continues to thrive. Yet, the preservation of Azadi Tower remains a concern, and we must take responsibility for safeguarding it.”
The Gift of Azadi: A Tribute to the Future
One of the most remarkable moments of the event was the donation of a five-ton stone sculpture of Azadi Tower to the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran. Crafted by Master Dastourian, the sculpture was carved from a 25-ton stone block.
The gift was presented by Alireza Ghanbari, Chairman of Sakhara & Ajianeh, and Amir Saman Mirzaei in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the University of Tehran.
In response, Hamed Mazaherian, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, expressed his gratitude, stating:
*“Honoring Azadi Tower is a testament to our commitment to preserving history. By *celebrating its legacy, we are ensuring that future generations recognize its cultural and architectural significance.”
As the event drew to a close, Amir Saman Mirzaei reflected on the deeper meaning behind the donation:
“This gift symbolizes a connection between today’s generation and Iran’s rich architectural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the brilliant minds and masterful hands that shaped this nation’s iconic structures.”
The “About Azadi” campaign continues its mission to honor, document, and preserve the legacy of this timeless monument.
