Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower

 

Azadi Tower is the lifelong symbol of Tehran as the capital of Iran, far before the presence of other modern symbols of the city. This unique building is a unique masterpiece of Iran’s modern architecture designed by the master of Persian architecture, Hossein Amanat. This tower is a mixture of Achaemenian, Sasanid, and Islamic styles. The arch of Aadi Tower is reminiscent of Sasanid’s famous building, Kasra Arch. The azure blue tiles, moreover, remind the viewer of the Safavid architectural style, and the lines of the interior windbreakers are the true copy of Yazd’s architecture. The mixture of traditional signs beside the modern concrete structure has made the tower look incredibly outstanding.

 

Historically, the Azadi Tower was made as the memory of the Persian two thousand and five hundred festivals before the Islamic Revolution and was changed to be called Azadi Tower. The unique style of its architecture has turned this tower to be the most important tourist spot in Tehran. It is inscribed under the national tourist areas of Iran as one of the most attractive views. The very image has been printed on Iranian notes for several years. The lower part of the tower is specified for the library, the Iran Museum, the Hall of Knowledge, and the art gallery. The areas here have been designed to perform like an exhibition for general visits. The building is near the western entrance of the city, close to the airport. 

 

The location was intentionally decided by the government in 1960. It was first decided to build an entrance arch as the city gate, but later it was considered not to be elegant enough, and consequently, they changed their plan and announced a general invitation of the skillful architects as a completion for more sophisticated design. Shockingly, a 24-year-old Iranian student from Tehran University won the design completion. He decided to construct a square at the entrance and started to build his magnificent design on that to represent the majesty, culture, and history of the country, quite alluring to the eyes of everyone, as the symbol of modern Iran.

 

The construction of the Azadi tower lasted 28 months, and there was a grand opening with 3000 national and international quests. On this particular day, the 2500 year- old Cyrus’ cylinder was unveiled to signify the union of great classic Persian with that of developing modern Iran. The style was significantly the mixture of pre-Islamic and Islamic eras and could help to reveal the rich historical significance. In 1974, the government decided to develop the construction and change it to an artistic/cultural complex. Under a depth of 15 meters underground, they built a museum highly equipped with audio-visual systems. The elements used in the architecture of the tower range from traditional windbreakers, Persian garden concepts, four arch concepts, and different styles of Persian azure tile works. The Ministry of Art and Culture was responsible for every management program of the tower. Recently, the cultural institute of Rudaki Foundation has been taking care of it. 

 

The height of Azadi Tower is 63 meters, with four levels with two stair halls leading to the peak of the tower. Twenty-five thousand pieces of Joshaghan marble stones from Isfahan have been used in the construction of the tower. Unique Granite stones from the Hamedan province have also been artistically applied in the construction of the Azadi Tower. Marbles of Kurdistan were also used for different levels of the tower.

The shape of the construction is a specific square rectangle leading towards hexagons and ending in a dome quite visible from the inside of the tower. It appears to be composed of two arches leading to unite together at a point forming a complete white construction. The white hexagons are so alluring with the azure lines in between them. The tower does have four sides with two parallel sides when looking from far. Some delicate decorations with tiles are seen near the core of the main dome.

 

The long, straight, and robust bases of the tower are the true inspirations of Achaemenians’ stylistic patterns, while the main arch represents the spirit of Sasanid’s artistic culture. The peak dome has been truly inspired by Islamic art. The surrounding fountains and the miniature gardens that exist at the very base of the tower beautifully represent the spirit of traditional Persian gardens. The master architect, Hossein Amanat, intentionally made a sloping form of the square so that when the onlookers pass by, the idea of transcendence and ascent, and majesty becomes easily the preoccupations of their minds. 

 

The attraction of Azadi Tower is not just because of the external, outward beauty. The two levels are so amazingly desirable that they entice the attention of the viewers. The dome of the upper floor is made of white concrete, exactly under the main arch of the tower. The Marquetry artworks beside the Persian blue tiles are outstanding and attract the eyes of the observers. Using white concrete was a groundbreaking style of architecture that was quite new in those days. Amazingly, the spaces in between the construction are not blocked and have created a see-through style so that every area can be easily accessible from the lines and spaces of the other’s sections. Whenever you look above, you will see a hole leading you to other levels and even the peak dome. There are four underground levels specified for galleries, multi-functional halls, and libraries. 

 

The entrance is five meters under the ground level and has access to an open garden area and the underground level. The section guides the visitors to the main reception hall and the Center of Iranian Studies. At first, the huge entrance doors were made of marble and granite stones, but nowadays, they have been turned into glass doors. The Center of Iranian Studies was constructed to function as an institute of research about the different cultures of Iran’s provinces. It is a U shape section with passing images of the historical monuments of different cities of Iran. This means that Azadi Tower is a miniature of Iran and its beauties. The Ancient Corridor is another amazing section exactly behind the center of Iranian Studies. 

 

This area is an exhibition showing ancient objects belonging to different eras. The Mirror Hall is another section that includes symbolic images, civil engineering stuff, and natural life concepts. The reason why it is called mirror hall is due to the usage of mirror showcases that magnify the objects being shown. The Hall of Archeology and the garden gallery are the other two sections with massive lighting quite appropriate for artistic training and archeological objects. The library, technology hall, and ancient salon are other attractive sites of the tower complex. The multi-vision hall is also unique in its turn, very suitable for concerts and shows. The Cinema tower is also located there, close to the eastern wing of the entrance hall. Azadi Tower, in a word, is like a marble castle whose labyrinthine shape mysteriously mesmerizes the curious minds of every tourist. Come and join us to be a part of this Iran’s miniature.