The Architectural Secrets of Tehran Azadi Tower
“What’s inside this giant white monument?”—this is a question that often crosses people’s minds as they pass by Azadi Square. Every year, on a special occasion, the Tehran Azadi Tower makes headlines, appearing in news reports, photographs, and documentaries. This architectural icon is deeply embedded in Tehran’s cultural memory. For decades, it has been one of the most recognized symbols of the city, captivating both locals and foreign visitors alike.
Although Milad Tower has now emerged as a modern competitor, Azadi Tower remains an unparalleled landmark, standing proudly as a symbol of Iran’s rich architectural heritage.
Reviving a Forgotten Monument
A few years ago, the responsibility for managing and maintaining Azadi Tower was handed over to Roudaki Foundation. This led to the establishment of the Cultural and Artistic Center of the Islamic Revolution, located in the underground sections of Tehran Azadi Tower. The initiative aimed to restore the long-forgotten museum and exhibition spaces beneath the tower, reviving them into a fully functional cultural hub.
According to the director of the center, Azadi Tower represents a blend of Iranian architectural history, incorporating elements from ancient, medieval, and modern eras. The elliptical arch of Azadi Tower symbolizes the Taq Kasra (Ctesiphon Arch) from the Sassanid era, while the turquoise tilework is reminiscent of Safavid-era mosques. The vertical grooves on the upper part of the tower resemble the wind towers of Yazd, showcasing Iran’s traditional cooling architecture.
The combination of Persian, Islamic, and modernist elements makes the architecture of Tehran Azadi Tower truly unique.
A Journey Inside Tehran Azadi Tower: Exploring Its Hidden Spaces
- The Entrance Hall
The tour begins with a walk down the entrance stairs, providing a spectacular ground-level view of Azadi Tower. Visitors are introduced to the history and technical details of the structure.
- The tower is built using 25,000 stone pieces, crafted into 15,000 unique shapes.
- Each granite door slab weighs 3.5 tons.
- The stones used in the construction are sourced from granite quarries.
- The Iranology Hall: A Virtual Journey Across Iran
Stepping inside, visitors encounter the sound of traditional Iranian music—“Bouye Gol-e Sosan va Yaseman Ayad…” (The scent of lilies and jasmine fills the air).
The Iranology Hall features a moving conveyor belt that slowly transports visitors through a panoramic tour of Iran, passing symbolic representations of different regions.
- A tractor represents Tabriz.
- A caviar symbol represents Gilan.
- The journey spans from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea, concluding with a waterfall installation that enhances the immersive experience.
Along the way, documentary films about the Iranian Revolution are projected onto four massive screens, adding an interactive educational element to the tour.
- The Mirror Hall (Diorama Room)
In the Mirror Hall, visitors can explore twelve glass display cases, each containing miniature dioramas showcasing historical and cultural achievements of Iran.
The hall’s mirrored walls create an optical illusion, making the exhibits appear larger than their actual size.
- Conceptual Art Gallery
For those who appreciate modern art, the Conceptual Art Gallery is a highlight. The space is filled with thought-provoking sculptures, including iron doves, spears, and abstract chairs, embodying a unique artistic vision.
Nearby, there is an art gallery that hosts regular exhibitions, a library with 12,000 books, and an interactive information center with 28 touchscreen monitors, providing insights into Iranian history and geography.
The Ascent to the Tower’s Peak
- The Elevator Ride to the Top
Two elevators transport visitors to the upper levels of Tehran Azadi Tower, offering a breathtaking perspective of Tehran.
However, due to the architectural design, each elevator ascends only two floors before reaching a concrete ceiling, requiring visitors to switch elevators to reach the top.
- The Top Observation Deck: A Panoramic View of Tehran
At the fourth level, visitors reach the highest point of Tehran Azadi Tower, located 40 meters above the ground.
- A turquoise dome-like structure sits at the center.
- The spiral turquoise tiles wrap around the dome, enhancing its visual appeal.
- From the tower’s windows, visitors can view all four directions of Azadi Square, offering a stunning urban panorama, especially at night.
Descending Through Architectural Layers
Visitors then descend via a spiral staircase—286 steps in total—passing through several levels, each with unique artistic displays and architectural elements.
- The Third Floor: The Revolution & Freedom Gallery
This level features a photographic exhibition showcasing historical images of the Iranian Revolution and Azadi Square, offering new perspectives on the tower’s historical significance.
Notably, the ceiling design on this floor resembles the dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan.
- The Second Floor: A Fusion of Modern and Traditional Art
At 23 meters above ground, visitors encounter abstract art installations that challenge traditional perceptions of space.
This level also contains angled concrete walls with small blue-tinted windows, offering glimpses of the upper levels of the tower.
Notably, visitors often notice graffiti inscriptions from previous visitors—names like “Asghar” and “Mahmoud”—prompting guides to jokingly wonder how they managed to reach such high spots!
The Story Behind Tehran Azadi Tower
A National Symbol Designed by a Young Architect
In 1966, a national competition was held to design a new symbol for Tehran.
- Hossein Amanat, a 24-year-old architect, won the competition.
- Construction began on November 1, 1969.
- The project was completed in just 28 months and inaugurated on January 14, 1972.
Architectural Significance
Azadi Tower blends three distinct architectural styles from different historical periods:
- Achaemenid architecture – Inspired by Persepolis.
- Sassanid architecture – Featuring elliptical arches.
- Islamic architecture – Incorporating geometric patterns and tilework.
Structural Marvels of Tehran Azadi Tower
- Total length: 63 meters.
- Height: 45 meters.
- Main arch height: 31 meters.
- The subterranean spaces primarily serve as exhibition halls and museums.
A fascinating architectural feature is that every floor has an open ceiling that allows a view into the next level, creating a sense of openness and vertical continuity throughout the structure.
Conclusion: A Monument Beyond Time
Despite the emergence of Milad Tower, Tehran Azadi Tower remains an unrivaled cultural and architectural landmark in Iran.
Through its rich symbolism, intricate design, and historical significance, the tower continues to captivate visitors, making it an icon of Tehran and a testament to Iranian architectural mastery.