Shahr-e-No was a notorious neighborhood in Tehran, Iran, known for its brothels, taverns, and connections to political events. This area played a significant role in Iranian history, particularly during the Pahlavi era, and was intertwined with both social and political developments in the country.
The Political Role of Shahr-e-No
It has been claimed that Shahr-e-No was connected to court officials and played a role in political events during the Pahlavi era, including the August 18, 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. After the coup, the neighborhood gained even more influence. According to some accounts, on the day of the coup, after the radio building in Tehran was seized, the so-called “Queen of Shahr-e-No” gave a speech on the radio in support of the Shah. After the coup, the “lady heads” of Shahr-e-No reportedly enjoyed a form of autonomy, reflecting their deep entrenchment within the political and social fabric of the time.
Origins of Shahr-e-No
The Shahr-e-No citadel was initially built by order of Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar to house his family and was named after the Qajar neighborhood. At the time, this neighborhood was on the outskirts of Tehran. It became known as “Darvazeh” (Gate) towards the end of Ahmad Shah Qajar’s reign due to the construction of the Qazvin Gate. Since it was outside the Qazvin Gate, the area gradually became a haven for criminals and, eventually, prostitutes.