Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace is located south of Khomeini Square in central Tehran. It was the royal palace of the Qajar Dynasty, which preceded Iran’s Pahlavi Dynasty, and dates back over 200 years. Tehran was established as the new capital of Iran during that dynasty, having previously been Isfahan. Although not large in size, Golestan Palace differs significantly from the palaces of the Pahlavi era, which were filled with modern European styles—it boasts a rich Islamic architectural flavor. The exterior walls are adorned with vibrant colored glazed tiles, while the interior features traditional Iranian glass mosaic craftsmanship, creating a luxurious and exquisite atmosphere. The palace consists of seven main buildings, large and small. Of course, its scale cannot compare to our Forbidden City, but it has its own unique charm. Now renamed as a museum, the entire complex offers an elegant and tranquil environment, surrounded by lush greenery and home to playful swans. Glazed mosaics, geometric and floral patterns, and arched architectural forms are all typical features of Islamic architecture. The curtain hanging in the distance by the pond serves to protect the open glass mosaic palace below, which faces directly outdoors.