The Move to Tehran and Early Business Struggles
In 1937, drawn by the expanding opportunities in the capital, the two brothers moved to Tehran. The city was then a hub of trade, attracting entrepreneurs from all corners of the country. They rented a small room in the Haji Sarai Bazaar — a modest but strategic location — and began trading in food products.
However, the path to success was anything but smooth. Mehdi’s first foray into business ended in disaster when a trade deal went wrong, and he lost his entire capital. Many would have been disheartened by such a setback, but Mehdi saw it as a lesson rather than a defeat. Starting again from scratch, he ventured into the tea trade — a business that would prove to be his breakthrough. Iranian culture’s deep-rooted love for tea ensured that his business thrived, and soon, Mehdi Ebrahimi Daryan was not just a survivor of failure but a flourishing businessman.
The Visionary of Tarsht: Founding Daryan-e No Neighborhood
Around 1956, Tehran was undergoing rapid urban expansion. Areas on the outskirts of the city, like Tarsht, were still undeveloped virgin lands. Mehdi, together with several compatriots from Daryan — including Hajj Hossein Daryani, Hajj Qasem Daryani, and Hajj Ali Qoli Daryani — envisioned a thriving residential neighborhood where there was once only barren land.
Their efforts led to the establishment of the Daryan-e No neighborhood, a project that transformed a part of Tehran’s landscape and provided affordable housing to many families. It was more than just a business venture; it was a community-building exercise grounded in a shared heritage and collective vision. The neighborhood became a testament to the spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship, with Mehdi at its heart.