Teherán

Teherán is the capital city of Iran, with a population of over 8.7 million people in the metropolitan area. It is located at the foothills of the Alborz mountain range, which divides the city from the Central Plateau desert. The city has a relatively short history of urbanization, dating back to the 16th century when it was a small village on the Qanats (qanat) system.

During the Qajar dynasty, Teherán became the center of power and growth in the region. The city was shaped by the actions of the rulers, who built palaces, gardens, and communication networks. The most notable example of this is the Golestan Palace, built in the early 19th century as the royal palace and throne room. The palace features a mix of Persian and European architectural styles.

In the early 20th century, Teherán continued its growth and development, becoming a hub of politics and culture. During the 1970s and 1980s, the city underwent rapid modernization, characterized by the construction of massive apartment blocks and the development of new infrastructure. However, these changes also brought about urbanization issues, with the city experiencing congestion and air pollution problems.

Today, Teherán remains the country's economic and cultural center. Its economy is driven by the petroleum and petrochemical industries, as well as services and manufacturing. The city is a major hub of education and research, with a number of universities and research institutions. Teherán remains a city with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, pulling people from across the region to its historic neighborhoods and cultural sites.