Azadi Tower, located in the heart of Azadi Square, is one of Tehran’s most prominent landmarks and a powerful symbol of the Iranian capital. Built to commemorate 2,500 years of Persian Empire history, the tower serves as a cultural and historical gateway to Iran’s rich past and vibrant present.
This iconic structure was originally known as Shahyad Tower (meaning Shah’s Memorial) before the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Hossein Amanat, a 24-year-old graduate from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, created the design. Mohammad Pourfathi carried out the construction, and the tower’s form reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Persian architecture and modernist design.
The architectural concept, structural form, and symbolic use of space in Azadi Tower are widely recognized as key strengths of the building. Particularly notable are the geometric patterns and the bold arch design under the tower’s base, which reflect the creativity and elegance of Iranian architectural heritage.
The project began after a national design competition was held in 1966 (1345 AH) by the Central Council of the 2500th Anniversary Celebrations. After careful consideration, Amanat’s proposal was selected. Construction started on November 11, 1969 (1348 AH) and was completed after 28 months of intensive work. The tower was officially inaugurated on October 24, 1971 (1350 AH) under the name Shahyad Tower.
The inauguration ceremony was a major event, attended by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Farah Pahlavi, and over 3,000 domestic and international guests, including foreign leaders, ambassadors, university presidents, civil and military officials, and journalists. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Charter of Human Rights of Cyrus the Great, considered the first human rights document in history.
Today, Azadi Tower stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but also as a lasting emblem of Iranian identity, history, and resilience.
Construction of Azadi Tower began on November 11, 1969, and was completed in 28 months. The grand opening took place on October 24, 1971, attended by over 3,000 guests from Iran and abroad. A key highlight of the ceremony was the public unveiling of the Cyrus Cylinder, linking Iran’s ancient legacy to its modern identity. Combining pre- and post-Islamic architectural elements, the tower has since become an enduring symbol of Tehran.
Standing 63 meters tall (with 45 meters above ground), Azadi Tower features four levels, accessible via two staircases (286 steps) or two elevators. Its construction involved 25,000 pieces of Isfahan’s Joshghan marble and over 900 tons of iron.
The design blends traditional Iranian elements such as:
The tower sits within the 50,000 square meter oval-shaped Azadi Square, aligned along the east–west axis. The architectural vision behind the tower was to symbolize freedom and reflect Iran’s cultural richness and architectural heritage.
The tower features:
A unique concrete dome with a sun motif at the center of the second floor illuminates both upper levels. The dome is adorned with moran decorations, Persian turquoise, and intricate mosaic tiling, offering a visually stunning experience for visitors. Notably, Azadi Tower was the first building in Iran to use white reinforced concrete for both its walls and roof.
Azadi Tower is open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
For more information about the history of the Azadi Tower, visit the Azadi Tower Wikipedia page.
