The Stonework of Azadi Tower
The stone used in Azadi Tower is one of the most defining features of this iconic monument. The type, color, and uniformity of the stone, along with the large dimensions of certain pieces, play a significant role in its architectural significance. Some stone blocks required cutting from six-meter-long blocks, but the greatest challenge was the shape of the stone pieces. These are not just thousands of irregular polygons with varying geometries, but they also have curved and twisted surfaces, carefully carved to form a continuous, flowing shape that transforms as it ascends. Understanding this complex structure from a blueprint alone was nearly impossible for stonemasons.
Master Ghafar Davarpanah: The Key Figure Behind the Stonework
Master Ghafar Davarpanah took on this monumental task in the 1960s in Iran, executing it with precision, expertise, and efficiency. His deep understanding of stone led him to personally take the team to the Josheghan stone quarry, introducing them to the material, dimensions, and feasibility of the project. He also brought in Ghanbar Rahimi, the legendary master of Iranian stonework, ensuring that the finest stonemasons and sculptors were enlisted for the project.
Davarpanah meticulously designed the entire stone-carving process, making the unprecedented decision to conduct all carving directly at the construction site. He specially commissioned and installed custom stone-cutting machines at Azadi Square, so that every stone was cut and shaped on-site after arriving from the quarry.
To help stonemasons accurately sculpt the complex curved surfaces, he developed a groundbreaking system using plywood strips to simulate the exact three-dimensional form of each stone block. This innovative approach allowed artisans to visualize and carve each stone with remarkable precision, ensuring that every piece seamlessly fit into the tower’s intricate design. Each full-scale, hollow model served as a guide for stonemasons to shape the stones to perfection.
The Unique Legacy of Azadi Tower’s Stonework
Davarpanah remained involved in every detail until the final stone was installed, even contributing to new design elements such as the monolithic granite doors of the museum entrance and the exquisite marble base doors of the tower. The stonework of Azadi Tower is a historical achievement, unmatched globally even after decades.
The installation technique was also groundbreaking—on one side of the concrete structure, the stones were used instead of traditional formwork, a method rarely seen in architectural history. Even 45 years later, the stone craftsmanship of Azadi Tower remains an unparalleled global masterpiece, a testament to Iranian talent, skill, and ingenuity. This extraordinary work was made possible by the vision and dedication of Master Ghafar Davarpanah, Master Ghanbar Rahimi, Engineer Iraj Haghighi, and Engineer Mohammad Pourfathi—all of whom poured their passion for Iran into the very fabric of this national symbol.
