Golestan Palace is located in the heart and historic core of Tehran. The palace complex is one of the oldest in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, it received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Golestan Palace represents a unique and rich testimony of the architectural language and decorative art during the Qajar era represented mostly in the legacy of Naser ed-Din Shah. It reflects artistic inspirations of European origin as the earliest representations of synthesized European and Persian style, which became so characteristic of Iranian art and architecture in the late 19th and 20th centuries. As such, parts of the palace complex can be seen as the origins of the modern Iranian artistic movement.
The complex of Golestan Palace represents an important example of the merging of Persian arts and architecture with European styles and motifs and the adaptation of European building technologies, such as the use of cast iron for load bearing, in Persia. As such Golestan Palace can be considered an exceptional example of an east-west synthesis in monumental arts, architectural layout and building technology, which has become a source of inspiration for modern Iranian artists and architects.
Golestan Palace contains the most complete representation of Qajari artistic and architectural production and bears witness to the center of power and arts at the time. Hence, it is recognized as an exceptional testimony to the Qajari Era.
Golestan Palace is a prime example of the arts and architecture in a significant period in Persia, throughout the 19th century when the society was subject to processes of modernization. The influential role of artistic and architectural values of ancient Persia as well as the contemporary impacts of the West on the arts and architecture were integrated into a new type of arts and architecture in a significant transitional period.
The complex of Golestan Palace consists of different structures, including palaces, museums, and halls. Almost all of this complex was built during the 200-year ruling of the Qajar kings.These palaces were used for many different occasions such as coronations and other important celebrations. It also consists of three main archives, including the photographic archive, the library of manuscripts, and the archive of documents.
1. Marble Throne (Takht e Marmar, The oldest part the edifice of Takht e Marmar that belongs to the Safavid era.)
2. Karim Khani Nook (Khalvat e Karim Khani)
3. Pond House (Howz Khaneh)
4. Brilliant Hall (Talar e Brelian)
5. Containers Hall (Talar e Zoruf)
6. Ivory Hall (Talar e Adj)
7. Mirror Hall (Talar e Aineh)
8. Salam Hall (Talar e Salam)
9. Diamond Hall (Talar e Almas)
10. Building of Windcatchers (Emarat e Badgir)
11. Edifice of the Sun (Shams ol Emareh)
12. Museum of Gifts
13. Abyaz Palace
14. Museum Hall
15. Photographic archive
On 2005 October 11, the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran submitted the palace to the UNESCO for inclusion into the World Heritage List in 2007. On 2013 June 23, it was proclaimed as world heritage site during the UNESCO meeting in Phnom Penh. The Golestan Palace is currently operated by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran.
