Why did Persia become Iran? Why did the nation turn Islamic? The answers lie in the modern history of Iran and can be found in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. In this 7,000-year-old city, the historic Golestan Palace co-exists with the modern architecture cluster, presenting tourists the unique history of Iran. 

1979 was the year for change – from the Persian Empire to Iran. Although Persia was modernised under the rule of Pahlavi, the corruption and abuse of power in the reign provoked public anger. Persians started revolutions to overthrow the royal family. Under the leadership of a cleric Khomeini, the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. The Shahyad Tower near the airport, built in commemoration of the 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire, was later renamed the Azadi Tower to celebrate the founding of the theocratic republic with freedom. The residence of the former king witnessed the public anger while the U.S. embassy was occupied by angry protestors in order to express their discontentment towards the American support for the Pahlavi dynasty. Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran who led the 1979 revolution, has been very much respected till now. His mausoleum is always full of people going on a pilgrimage.

Although Iran has been imposed with sanctions, it is still making progress in modernisation. Rouhani, the then President of Iran, advocated reforms in the territory to open up. By receiving other countries’ funding and learning from their experiences, Iran, previously conservative, has developed into a modern empire incorporating traditional cultures and modern development in the region. Tehran has also become the most prosperous metropolis city in Iran and the most developed city in Western Asia. Whether you are staying in the traditional Grand Bazaar or a contemporary mall, you can understand how prosperous Tehran is nowadays. Tehran, in its new look, is embracing the world with its open arms.