"Azadi Momument" Tehran by Sambawalk

Tehran’s most famous architectural symbol is the Azadi (“Liberty”) Monument in Azadi Square. It was constructed in 1971 as part of Mohammad Reza Shah’s celebrations to commemorate 2,500 years of Persian monarchy and was hence named the Shahyad Tower. It was given its current name after the 1979 revolution which saw all indications of the former regime stripped from streets of the city.

The 50m tower, clad entirely in cut marble, is said to combine Islamic architecture and the earlier Sassanid style. Situated near Mehrabad Airport, it was the first sight to welcome visitors to Tehran for many years before international flights were recently redirected to the new Imam Khomeini Airport near Qom, although the domestic airport remains. If you do not fly domestic flight, you have to make your trip there, which is not too far. Taxi from Ferdosi square costs about IR35,000 (May 2008).

The basement floor houses a museum and cultural centre and the roof can be accessed by elevator. Though it retains great affection among Iranians, the Azadi Tower is now in competition with the 435m Milad Tower for its place as the symbol of the city.

I didn't spend much time in Tehren, only the first day (5 hours) and last day (another 5 hours). Depsite it is a big city and people are, relatively, not as lay back as other smaller cities, I did encounter good Iranians. Just the first contact, i.e. taxi driver and the first hotel.

The taxi driver drove me to 3 different places at 6am to ensure that I could find a hotel to stay. The first hotel, Parasto Hotel, which I thought I would get a room, but at end no room, allowed me to rest at 6am -8am in the lobby sofa and kept my lugguage without charge, until 1pm when I decided to fly to Kerman. These were some of the best experience and impression I have on Iran. People lent you a hand when you needed it the most! Iran, I won't forget you!