Saed News: Shams-ol-Emareh, also known as the "Building of the Sun," is the first skyscraper in Tehran, built during the Qajar era. These days, this unique building has become even more stunning with 20 exquisite Qajar carpets.
According to the tourism service of Saed News, Shams-ol-Emareh is one of the most important landmarks in Tehran, located in the eastern part of the historic Golestan Palace. To visit this modern symbol of the capital from the Qajar era, head to district 12 and the area surrounding the Tehran Bazaar, then proceed to Golestan Palace. It is recommended to use public transportation, such as the metro and buses, as vehicle traffic is not allowed on the cobblestone streets leading to the palace, including Bab Homayoun, Sabzeh Meydan, Davar, and Soor-Asrafil.
Address of Shams-ol-Emareh: Tehran, 15 Khordad Street, north side of 15 Khordad Square (Arg Square), Golestan Palace
Access to Shams-ol-Emareh
If you are using the metro, the most convenient route is to get off at the 15 Khordad Metro Station on Line 1 of Tehran Metro and head east. After a short walk along the cobblestone Davar Street, you will arrive at Golestan Palace and the magnificent Shams-ol-Emareh.
If you are using buses, the bus lines from Imam Khomeini Square Terminal and Goorkhaneh Terminal will take you to the area.
History of Shams-ol-Emareh
The Qajar king, Nasser al-Din Shah's fascination with European tall buildings and their decorations, combined with the traditional beautiful Persian architecture, led to the creation of the first skyscraper in Tehran, which is about 35 meters high. The king, upon seeing pictures of European buildings and before traveling to Europe, became inclined to build a tall structure like those in Europe in his own capital. The presence of the Ali Qapu building in Isfahan also seems to have influenced his decision. He assigned his treasurer and head of the mint, "Doost-Ali Khan Nezam-ol-Doleh," who was responsible for the court's architecture, to build a tall structure to oversee the city of Tehran and its surroundings. "Moayer al-Mamalek," with the help of skilled masters of the time, started designing the plans, and construction began with the architect "Master Ali Mohammad Kashani" using his own funds.
Qajar Era Exquisite Carpets
Construction of Shams-ol-Emareh, also known as "The Sun Building" or "The Emperor's Palace," began in 1244 AH (1282 AH) and was completed in 1246 AH. It is said that the total cost of this grand building, from construction to furnishing with furniture and carpets, amounted to 40,000 Tomans, and Nasser al-Din Shah officially opened his beloved tall tower in 1284 AH. At the time, it was the tallest building in Tehran, and before the National Garden Gate was built, it was considered a symbol of Tehran.
Shams-ol-Emareh, with all its unique features, including the number of floors, tall porches, purified wind towers, and a clock tower that once controlled the pulse of time in the capital, bears a strong resemblance to Western palaces. Its combined architectural style is considered the first modern building in Iran and captivates the eyes with the marvel of Iranian art. This beautiful and grand structure holds special significance in terms of its historical, artistic, and tourism value.
How was Shams-ol-Emareh Built?
The Qajar period is considered the beginning of the modern age in Iran, a time of significant development in Iranian art due to interaction with Western countries. Among this period, the Naserid era holds particular importance, as changes in traditional Iranian architectural forms brought new life to the capital of Iran. Nasser al-Din Shah's interest in tall European buildings and his desire to create similar structures in Iran introduced Western architectural style to Iranian architecture. Shams-ol-Emareh became the first experience of this combined architectural style, which later gave birth to a new style called the "Tehran Style." This magnificent building was the dream of the Qajar king, who wanted to sit atop it and gaze upon his capital while impressing foreign guests with its grandeur. He expressed this wish through a royal decree to "Moayer al-Mamalek," and two years later, the tower became a reality.
The Construction and Design of Shams-ol-Emareh
The design and construction of Shams-ol-Emareh, which some believe was inspired by the Ali Qapu in Isfahan, was overseen by "Doost-Ali Khan Nezam-ol-Doleh Moayer al-Mamalek," the treasurer and head of the mint of Nasser al-Din Shah. The architect of this beautiful and grand palace was "Master Ali Mohammad Kashani," one of the best architects in Iran, who was well-versed in Western architectural principles and brought the design of Shams-ol-Emareh to life, combining both styles.
This magnificent historical building, which stands at five stories and 25 meters in height (30 meters with the French-style dome), was constructed alongside the city wall of the Arg (Citadel). The building utilized metal columns, and as such, Shams-ol-Emareh is also considered the first metal structure in Iran. Additionally, this building was the birthplace of many "firsts" in the capital, such as the first city symbol, the first tall tower in Tehran, the first public clock, and the first combined architectural style.
Now, more than 150 years after the construction of Tehran's first skyscraper, Shams-ol-Emareh continues to stand proudly as a symbol of Tehran's historical and artistic identity.
Shams-ol-Emareh's Architecture
Shams-ol-Emareh, as the first tall tower in Tehran and one of the most prominent buildings in Golestan Palace, is of great significance. It marked the beginning of modern architecture in the Qajar era in Iran. The building is not only fascinating for its outer appearance but also its interior decorations, which are unique in Iran. The design of this beautiful building includes two tall towers on either side, creating a symmetrical appearance. Notably, traditional materials like brick, mud, and mortar were used in constructing this first tall building of the capital. To divide the levels and elevate the upper floors, a slanted roof was used, and trusses were employed to support the building.
The interior decorations of Shams-ol-Emareh feature stunning plasterwork, mirror work, tile work, and paintings, following some of the most beautiful principles of Iranian architecture, and it is internationally renowned. The large hall, which was used for court ceremonies, is decorated with beautiful mirror work. The floors are adorned with multi-colored Qajar tiles that depict nature and Western architecture in an Iranian style.
The Rugs of Golestan Palace
After Shams-ol-Emareh was closed for about six months for restoration, it reopened with an exhibition of lesser-seen carpets from Golestan Palace. According to the director of the Golestan World Heritage Complex, these carpets date back to the Qajar era, with weaving centers in cities such as Malayer, Kashan, Kerman, Farahan, Bijar, Mashhad, Yazd, Josheqan, and Bakhtiari. Some of the carpets are rare and unique, especially those woven by the Durakhsh weaving area in Southern Khorasan. One of the main attractions of this exhibition is the two large carpets from the Mirror Hall, which are too large to display in full, but photos of them are shown in the exhibit. These carpets, woven in Josheqan in 1268 AH by the order of Hajib-od-Doleh, are now among the valuable collections preserved at Golestan Palace.
