Old photos from Tehran

At present, Tehran is waiting for the day it gets classified as one of the new mega-cities of the world. As defined by the United Nations, a mega-city is any city that surpasses a population count of 10 million.

The growing number of the population in the capital of Iran has introduced familiar problems to city authorities. Like other cities of similar size and population count, Tehran is struggling with staggering air pollution crisis, overcrowded neighborhoods, and a shortage of basic resources such as clean water, just to name three.

Less than a century ago, Tehran was an entirely different sight and experience. Not a trace of the problem it faces today. Under the rule of Reza Shah, Tehran was essentially rebuilt from scratch during the 1920s and 1930s. Its wide boulevards and elegant palaces exemplified an urban cosmos. As can be felt from the few old photos below.

ToopKhāneh, one of the old points of interest featured here, can translate to “Artillery Barracks” and is a major town square and neighborhood in the south of central Tehran. It was initially completed in 1867 and was renamed to Imam Khomeini Square following the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

*The Municipality Palace of Tehran during the 1950s*

For a very long time, Tehran has also resembled an important scholarship center in the Middle East. The University of Tehran–photos below–remains as one of the most esteemed universities in the region today. It’s called the “mother university of Iran.”

*University of Tehran’s Faculty of Law in 1939.*

*Opening Ceremony of the Faculty of Medicine with Reza Shah*.

Tehran’s unbalanced growth can relate to the period after World War II, due to mismanaged reforms that also incorporated land reform. However, far from any claim that the city has lost on any charm. As per its contemporary problems, perhaps a smart city approach will help.