History

The Qajar Dynasty: Origins, Power, and Legacy in Iran (1796–1925) The Qajar dynasty (also spelled Kadjar), was a royal family of Turkic origin that ruled Iran from 1796 to 1925, marking a pivotal era in Iranian history. The Qajars rose to power after the fall of the Zand dynasty, uniting a fractured nation and leading it through one of its …

I. The Announcement That Echoed Through History Seventy years ago, in the shadow of post-World War II geopolitics, a quiet but historically significant announcement made its way across headlines in Iran and beyond. In December 1955, the then-government of the former Soviet Union formally declared that it would compensate Iran for the occupation it had endured during the global conflict. …

On June 3, 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its Supreme Leader since 1979, passed away after a long period of illness. His death marked the end of a defining chapter in modern Iranian history—a chapter that had seen a monarchy overthrown, a theocratic state established, and a revolution that changed the political …

Mehrdad Asemani: The Voice of Exile and Harmony Mehrdad Asemani, born on July 15, 1967, in Tehran, is a prominent Iranian singer, composer, and arranger whose name has become synonymous with nostalgia, romantic ballads, and sociopolitical commentary in Persian pop music. With a career spanning over three decades and collaborations with some of the most iconic Iranian vocalists, Asemani has …

Iran’s First Asian Cup Victory: The Day Football Changed Forever – May 19, 1968 On May 19, 1968, a jubilant crowd of 40,000 Iranian football fans erupted with unparalleled joy at Tehran’s Amjadieh Stadium, now known as Shahid Shiroudi Stadium. The occasion was historic: Iran’s national football team had just won its first Asian Cup, defeating Israel in a fiercely …

Jafar Panahi: The Defiant Visionary of Iranian Cinema Jafar Panahi, born on July 10, 1955, is one of the most renowned and politically defiant filmmakers in contemporary world cinema. His films, often banned in his home country of Iran, have received global acclaim for their unflinching portrayals of societal constraints and the lives of the marginalized. Through a body of …

Laleh Park: A Legacy of History, Culture, and Green Urbanism in Tehran Introduction In the heart of Tehran lies one of its oldest and most cherished green spaces: Laleh Park. Known before the 1979 Iranian Revolution as Farah Park, this 35-hectare oasis is more than just a recreational area—it is a living chronicle of Iran’s urban evolution, political transitions, artistic …

Nosratollah Mohtasham: The Monarch of Lalehzar Stage Nosratollah Mohtasham occupies a unique and illustrious position in the history of Iranian performing arts. As one of the most iconic actors and directors of Iran’s theatrical golden age, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s, Mohtasham shaped the identity of Lalehzar theater—a district often likened to Tehran’s Broadway. His commanding presence, remarkable portrayals …

Soltan Ali Mirza Qajar (15 Aban 1308 – 6 Khordad 1390 / November 16, 1929 – May 27, 2011) was not just a descendant of royalty, but also a distinguished economist and intellectual who led the Qajar clan for more than two decades in exile. His life encapsulates a story of displacement, identity, resilience, and cultural preservation. Born into exile …

     Seyyed Mehdi Baligh: The Arsène Lupin of Iran In the shadowy underworld of 20th-century Iran, where deceit intertwined with charisma and audacity, few figures emerged as enigmatic and infamous as Seyyed Mehdi Baligh. Dubbed by some as the “Arsène Lupin of Iran”—a nod to the fictional French gentleman thief—Baligh rose to infamy not merely for the magnitude of …