In the early years of Reza Shah’s rule, a man known as Zal Mammad transformed this neighborhood into a major center of prostitution by bringing in women from various regions. Reza Shah attempted to curb prostitution, but over time, the neighborhood grew into an officially recognized red-light district. A wealthy individual named Arbab Jamshid financed the construction of dozens of houses to shelter homeless women, and in support of them, he built several shops in the area. The neighborhood was officially renamed “Jamshid Neighborhood,” and over time, as new houses were built and streets paved, it became known as “Shahr-e-No.” Between 1958 and 1978, much of Shahr-e-No was controlled by Mohammad Ali Tarm, also known as Mammad Eskanesi.
Shahr-e-No During World War II
During World War II, Allied forces stationed in Iran brought Polish refugees to the country. Some of these women, displaced by war, ended up in Shahr-e-No. An alley in the neighborhood became known as the “Alley of Poles” due to the presence of Polish women who engaged in prostitution there.
Names and Streets of Shahr-e-No
Shahr-e-No was known by several names, including “Qala’e-e-Shahr-e-No,” “Qala’e-e-Zahedi,” “Qala’e,” “Qala’e-e-Khamoshan,” “Jamshid Neighborhood,” and “Qajarha Neighborhood.” The women living there were referred to as “residents of the Gham Neighborhood.” Some of the most notable streets in the area included:
- Haj Abdul Mahmoud Street
- Qavam Daftar Street (present-day Razi Park)
- Rah-e-Pima Street (present-day Shahid Eskandari Park)
- Jamshid Street (present-day Razi Park)