The Dreamlike Architecture and Luxurious Décor of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Office in Niavaran, Tehran – Was this a Place for Work or Leisure?

Niavaran has always been sought after for its pleasant climate and proximity to the Alborz Mountains. Even during the Qajar era, its importance was recognized by the Qajar kings. In 1850 (1229 SH), Naser al-Din Shah Qajar ordered the construction of Sahebqaraniyeh Palace, a magnificent structure that still stands today as one of Iran’s best-preserved historical monuments. Now a major tourist attraction in Tehran, the palace continues to captivate both domestic and international visitors.

This picturesque palace has also served as a filming location for numerous Iranian movies and TV series, including "Mirza Kuchak Khan," "Prince Ehtejab," "Sultan Sahebqaran," "Delshodegan," and "Kamal-ol-Molk." The palace complex is set within a vast 11-hectare garden in northern Tehran, near Shahid Bahonar Square (Niavaran Square), featuring both natural beauty and rich historical significance. The Niavaran Palace Complex houses buildings from both the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties, originally serving as a summer residence for Qajar kings due to its cooler climate.

The grand Sahebqaraniyeh Palace was originally divided into two sections:

• The Main Palace, featuring a Mirror Hall and multiple two-story rooms

• The Royal Harem, which consisted of 40 to 50 smaller buildings, each with four rooms and a veranda, designed for the king’s wives. The harem was later demolished by Reza Shah Pahlavi.

  

The Photo Gallery Room

• Displays photos from Naser al-Din Shah's era

• Features a copy of the Constitutional Revolution decree, historical documents, and images of prominent figures from the Constitutional Movement

  

The Military Negotiation Room

• Equipped with bulletproof glass and soundproofing

• Served as the military decision-making hub from 1966 to 1978

• Contains valuable artifacts, including:

  • An Italian-crafted wooden globe

  • Guns gifted by the United States

  • Model tanks gifted by India

The Mirror Hall (Jahan Nama Hall)

• Connected to the Military Negotiation Room

• Features a large southern-facing window overlooking Tehran and a northern-facing window with a view of the Alborz Mountains

  

• Ornate wooden doors open to two grand hallways

• Resembles the Mirror Hall of Golestan Palace, but is larger and more luxurious

• Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s desk is located in the northern section

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's Private Office (Post-Renovation by Farah Diba)

During Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reign, his wife Farah Diba led extensive renovations on the palace. Significant changes included:

• The ground floor (Hozkhaneh) was repurposed for informal gatherings and receptions

• The upper floor was transformed into Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s personal office

• From 1967 to 1978, the palace served as his official office and residence

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the palace’s contents were cataloged, and restoration began in 1995. The mirror work, plasterwork, stained-glass windows, and doors were meticulously restored by skilled artisans. Some of the finest Persian carpets were also repaired.

A section of the palace now serves as a museum, displaying historical documents and artifacts from the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, providing visitors with a concise yet insightful glimpse into Iran’s royal history and artistic heritage.

Other Notable Rooms in the Palace

• Nap Rooms

• Private Negotiation Room

• Ambassador Waiting Room

• Secretary’s Office

• Gift Room

• Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Dental Office

Several rooms also display:

• Photographs of foreign leaders

• Gifts received by the Pahlavi court

• Medals and honors awarded to the Shah

The Hozkhaneh (Water Hall)

• Located on the ground floor

  

• One of the most stunning sections of the palace, after the Mirror Hall

• Features:

  • A central fountain surrounded by seating areas

  • A collection of Persian paintings, including one by Kamal-ol-Molk

  • A stone engraving of Attar’s tale of Sheikh San’an

  • A bar and tea room displaying fine glassware and crystal pieces from Germany, Russia, Czechoslovakia, and Iran

  • Exquisite wooden ceilings, originally from 18th-century Shiraz

This beautifully restored palace remains one of Tehran’s most fascinating historical sites, preserving the rich legacy of both the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties.