Tehran, the capital of Iran is located in north-central Iran at the foot of Alborz mountain range. In 1786 Tehran was chosen as the capital of Qajar Dynasty and from then onwards, most of the expansion and progress started. In 19th century, thanks to a modernization programs, Tehran started transforming into a modern city. Some of these programs, reforms and protests were caused by political and economic challenges of the European powers. Different groups came together to fight foreign pressures and a weak government to change arbitrary rule with the rule of law that led to Constitutional Revolution in 1906.
Tehran during Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979)
The coup in 1921, put Reza Shah on the center on Iran politics who founded Pahlavi dynasty in 1925. He was after centralizing the government by creating new armed forces and reorganizing the bureaucracy. in was at this time that the secular system of education was introduced. During the second world war, Iran was occupied by allied forces i 1941 and Reza Shah was replaced by his son.
After Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1941-1979) succeeded his father, continued the reforms in Iran. He was trying to do reforms and industrialize the country thanks to the oil export income. One of the most notable things that happened in his reign was nationalizing the oil industry which was being under Anglo-Persian Oil Company. This incident was done by Mohammad Mosadeq, the prime minister of Iran.
The second revolution
Internal disapproval of shah’s dictatorship, international pressures and economic downfalls let to the social unrest. Eventually majority of people united together to topple the dictatorship and revolution happened (1979). After the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came to power and shortly afterwards Iraq invaded Iran and the 8 year war broke out.
Tehran in 21st century
After the war, reforms and developments started in Tehran and modernization accelerated. To decrease the gap between different parts of the city, important infrastructure developments started. Eventually Tehran turned to be one of the most advanced cities in Iran.
Sightseeing
Most notable places to visit in Tehran are Golestan Palace, Tabiat Bridge, Sa’dabad complex, Niavaran complex, Ski Resorts and national museum of Iran. In each season in Tehran, there are different recreational areas and leisure facilities which you can enjoy.
