What Is The Capital Of Iran?

The capital of Iran is Tehran which is situated at the core of Tehran (Oston) Province. This Iranian city became the centre of activity for the province named after it. Located in the north-central part of the country, it is surrounded by beautiful mountains. As the seat of power under King Ghākūn Beg over two centuries ago, Tehrān has transformed from a modest town to a bustling city. In this article, you will read about what is the capital of Iran and more.

About Tehran: Capital of Iran

Situated in the heart of Iran, Tehrān’s topography is close to the highest mountain range, which not only separates it from the exterior world but also influences how it is perceived globally. 

• Historically, a part of the current Tehran was once a Median city known as Rhaga, which was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century.
• Today, this area is part of Tehran Province, situated at the southern tip of modern-day Tehran. 
• Tehran was at first selected as the capital of Iran by the Qajar dynasty ruler, Agha Mohammad Khan in 1796,
• With the intention of maintaining proximity to Iran’s territories in the Caucasus and avoiding the conflicts between the various factions of the previous ruling Iranian dynasties.
• The city has undergone several changes in its status as the national capital, marking it as the 32nd national capital of Iran.
• It has been the capital for the Qajars and Pahlavis, the final two imperial dynasties of Iran. 

• The Iranian Revolution of the late 1970s however, has significantly impacted the city’s portrayal.
• For many years, the international view of Tehrān was one of a deeply religious, traditional city resisting modernization and Western influence.
• However, the Iranian perception of its identity often emphasises its ancient past and rich cultural heritage, while Tehrān’s modern reality, with most buildings erected after the 1960s and a youthful population average age of 31, challenges these perceptions.
• This mix of old and new, stability and transformation, and a significant divide between affluent and impoverished residents, characterizes the city and shows the reality of advancement and growth. 

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Architecture, Demography and Economy of Iran

The capital of Iran is Tehran of the Tehran Province. With a population of approximately 9 million within the city and 16 million in its broader metropolitan area, Tehran holds the title of the most populous city in Iran and Western Asia, ranking 29th globally by its metropolitan area’s population.

• It is also the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East. 
• The city also holds space for historical sites, like the royal complexes of Sa’dabad, Golestan and Niavaran, as well as the most important governmental buildings of the modern era.
• Massive reconstruction and demolition projects began in the 1920s, and Tehran has been a hub for mass migrations from across Iran since the 20th century. 
• The city’s most iconic landmarks are the Azadi Tower, a memorial from the Pahlavi era, and the Milad Tower, the world’s 17th tallest freestanding structure were constructed in 2007.
• The Tabiat Bridge, completed in 2014, is seen as the third modern symbol of the city.

• The different language spoken by the inhabitants of Tehran is Persian, with about 99% of the population understanding and speaking Persian.
• However, the city is also home to other Iranian ethnic groups such as Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds and Lurs, who speak Persian as their second language.
• Tehran is connected to the rest of the world through the Mehrabad and Khomeini international airports, a central railway station, the Tehran Metro’s rapid transit system, as well as trolleybuses and BRT systems, and a vast network of highways.
• There have been discussions about moving Iran’s capital to another location, primarily due to concerns over air pollution and the city’s vulnerability to earthquakes. To date, there have been no concrete plans for such a move. 
• According to a 2016 survey by consultant Mercer, Tehran ranked 203rd for quality of living among 230 cities. 
• Furthermore, the Global Destinations Cities Index in 2016 placed Tehran among the top ten destinations of fastest-growing.

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Culture of Tehran

With the Iranian Revolution significantly influencing its culture, the age-old arts like calligraphy and music have experienced a resurgence.

• Alongside these traditional hubs of cultural activity, several youth clubs, cultural centres, and libraries were established to upskill the urban youth.
• The Tehran Symphony Orchestra has performed both domestically and internationally, and the Fajr International Theater Festival is held every year in Tehran. 

• The National Museum of Iran highlights ancient Iranian heritage, the Carpet Museum of Iran showcases the finest examples of Iranian carpet weaving, and the Tehrān Museum of Contemporary Art displays artworks by renowned international artists. 

The Iranian film industry, located in Tehran, has gained global recognition for its realism in cinema and its award-winning films. Persian cuisine is also known for its use of lime and saffron, the combination of meats with fruits and nuts, a unique method of cooking rice.

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