Rey Historical Sites Shielded From Construction Fallout

The historical Tughrul Tower and Ibn Babavey Cemetery in Rey, Tehran Province, which were at risk of construction activities at Tehran Subway's Line 6, are no longer in danger thanks to the intervention of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.   

The construction project was initiated in early September within 120 meters of the two sites without consulting ICHHTO's experts.

A few days after the project was launched, ICHHTO stepped in and stopped the project, thereby preventing the destruction of a major part of Rey's historical heritage, ISNA reported.

The subway route was set to go from Dolatabad Station to Rey Cement Factory Station, Tughrul Tower and the eastern wing of Abdolazim Shrine, which was too close to the historical sites.

Tehran Municipality was, therefore, tasked by ICHHTO to demarcate a new route at a safe distance from the structures, in spite of the huge extra costs that the revision entailed.

"After joint meetings held by Tehran Province's Technical Council, ICHHTO and the municipality, it was decided to build the new route 500 meters from the historical areas," said Sepideh Sirousnia, cultural heritage deputy at Tehran's ICHHTO office.

The tunnel and stations are currently being constructed within the designated area and under the constant supervision of an ICHHTO expert.

"Since there is a possibility of unearthing [a part of] the historical relics during the excavations, the supervisor is authorized to stop the operations in such a case and inform ICHHTO immediately," Sirousnia said.

Ibn Babavey is a graveyard in the north of Rey, which houses the shrine of Muhammad Ibn Babavey, known as Sheikh Sadouq, a renowned Shia scholar.

Tughrul Tower is a 12th-century monument also located in the north of Rey. The 20-meter tall brick tower is the tomb of Seljuk ruler Tughrul Beg who died in Rey in 1063.

The tower had a conical dome, which would have added to its height but collapsed during an earthquake. Experts believe that the building acts like a clock and one could tell the time of the day from the shape of sunlight on its knurls.