Iran Freedom Monument

　　The Iran Freedom Monument is majestic and innovatively designed. Driving from the Mehrabad International Airport in the western suburbs into the city, the first sight that greets you is this monument. Standing 45 meters tall, with a base that is 63 meters long and 42 meters wide, the tower is grayish-white and constructed from reinforced concrete and marble. The Freedom Monument was completed in October 1971. During its design, Iranian architect Hossein Amanat drew inspiration from the strengths of foreign towers while also ensuring that it fully reflected Iran’s national architectural style. The ground floor of the tower houses a museum and a cinema. The cinema can accommodate 500 spectators, with five projectors simultaneously screening films on a large screen. The films mainly depict Iran’s long history, splendid culture, stunning landscapes, and historic sites. It’s a popular spot among visitors, and movie tickets often require waiting in line to purchase. From the base, visitors can climb 275 stone steps spiraling upwards to reach the observation deck at the top. Standing on the deck and looking around, one can take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Tehran — the resplendent ancient buildings, the grand high-rises, and the broad, straight tree-lined boulevards. The view stretches from the train station in the southern part of the city, northward through the old and new urban districts, all the way to the summer resort at the foothills of the Alborz Mountains, which lie over 1,600 meters above sea level. The Freedom Monument is located along the central axis of Tehran’s urban layout. From the tower, four wide and flat asphalt roads extend into the distance, like ribbons connecting various streets and forming an integrated whole across the city.