The provincial office of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) in Tehran Province will conduct a tour of the capital’s ‘old city’ on April 18 to commemorate the International Day on Monuments and Sites, director of the office Rajabali Khosravi was quoted as saying by ILNA News Agency.
Stressing the need to raise public awareness regarding cultural historical sites, Khosravi said, “Organizing cultural tours and educational workshops can help get people interested.”
The main aim of the ICHHTO is to promote and protect historical sites, according to Khosravi.
The official also said that restoring cultural heritage sites is futile if there are no visitors, adding that efforts to promote tourist attractions need to be doubled.
“Outpouring of visitors helps to keep historical sites in good condition.”
Those who take part in the tour will get to see sites such as the Golestan Palace, which is the oldest historic monument in Tehran; Imam Jomeh’s House, which used to be the residence of the Friday prayer leader or ‘Imam Jomeh’; and the Dar ul-Funun, Iran’ first institution of higher learning.
Golestan Palace
Golestan Palace, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, was built during the Qajar era and embodies the successful integration of earlier Persian architecture with European influence.
Built around a garden featuring pools as well as planted areas, the palace’s most characteristic features and rich ornaments date from the 19th century. It became a center of Qajari art and architecture of which it is an outstanding example and has remained a source of inspiration for Iranian artists and architects to this day. It represents a new style incorporating traditional Persian art and craft and elements of 18th century architecture and technology.
Imam Jomeh’s House
Imam Jomeh’s House is a magnificent structure built in the second half of the 13th century. As the name suggests, it was used as the primary residence of Tehran’s the Friday prayer leader. The building is comprised of numerous halls and chambers decked out with beautiful plaster moldings. A rectangular pond sandwiched between two columns gives the yard a classic Persian look.
Dar ul-Funun
The Dar ul-Funun, which literally translates to ‘polytechnic college’, was also built during the Qajar era in 1851. The institution was Iran’s first modern university. On the upper part of the institution’s eastern gate a couplet from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh is inscribed with translates to: “Capable is the one who is enlightened – Knowledge rejuvenates the heart of the old.”
Those interested in taking the tour must send their full name via text message to 5000203000100. The tour begins at 15:00 local time from the Imam Khomeini subway station.
