IRANIAN ARCHITECTURE
Iranian Architecture
Iranian architecture is all about the fusion of traditional and modern. Traditional Iranian architecture, encompassing numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, can be separated into pre-Islamic and Islamic. The latter, for which the country is perhaps better known, includes beautiful mosques that exhibit exquisite geometry, colours and surface ornamentation. The contemporary architectural scene in Iran is also thriving. Many young and award winning Iranian architects and firms are producing works that merge the old with the new and have been catching the attention of international critics in the process…
Modern
2015 CNN report on the design and build of a unique rotating home in Tehran, Iran, built by award-winning Iranian architect Alireza Taghaboni. Source: Youtube, 2015
The Agha Kahn Award [for Architecture] won in 2016 by the Tabiat Bridge in Tehran, Iran. Designed by young Iranian architects Leila Araghian and Alireza Behzadi. Source: Youtube, 2019
One of the 19 nominees for 2011 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Located in Tehran, Iran and designed by Iranian architects Arsh Design Studio. Source: Youtube, 2011
Bahador Hadizadeh (check out his YouTube Channel) takes us on a walk through Iran Mall in the largest shopping mall in the world, in Tehran, Iran Source: Youtube, 2021
IRAN REALITY presents a short tour of the worlds 6th tallest tower and an icon of modern Tehran, the Milad Tower. Source: Youtube, 2018
A showpiece of Iranian architects Behzad Atabaki Studio - loctaed in northern Iran on the Caspian Sea coast. Source: Youtube, 2019
Part-I of a series of [pictorial] videos exemplifying the work of contemporary Iranian Architects - in Iran. Source: Youtube, 2017
Traditional: pre-Islamic
Joanna Lumley visits the ruined city of Persepolis, founded in 518BC by Darius the Great. You can follow her whole journey through Iran on the ITV Hub Source: Youtube, 2018
A short documentary exploring the historic city of Kerman; including a short trip to the nearby ancient fortified settlement of Bam - another UNESCO World Heritage site. Source: Youtube, 2020
A look at the invention and design of the ancient Iranian irrigation system of Qanats, designated UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016. Source: Youtube, 2016
A Press TV report into the history and design of renowned Persian gardens designated UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011. Source: Youtube, 2014
Unseen Corners offers a 4K tour of the historical city of Yazd. Originally settled 5,000 years ago - which according to UNESCO makes it one of the most ancient settlements on earth. The old city was also designated UNESCO world heritage status in 2017. Source: YouTube, 2019 (check out the VISIT page of the website for more on Yazd)
German couple Manu & Magda offer a mini tour through Yazd with their bikes - showing off the ancient city’s charming desert architecture along the way. Source: YouTube, 2019
Windmills are believed to have been invented in Iran’s Sistan region, bordering Afghanistan. Great Big Story visits some of the world’s oldest existing windmills in the city of Nashtifan, in Iran’s Khorasan province - which also borders Afghanistan. Source: YouTube 2020
Traditional: Islamic/post-Islamic
A Great Big Story look at Iran's Nasir al-Mulk mosque also known as the "Pink Mosque’ in Shiraz. Source: Youtube, 2018
Arte France et cineteve takes a look at the unique architectural designs of Masouleh, located southwest Rasht - Gilan Province- in the north of Iran. Source: Youtube, 2017
A Great Big Story look at Iran’s Glass Mosque. Source: YouTube, 2017
Peyman Nikoobin provides a fleeting glimpse of some of Isfahan’s architectural beauties. Source: YouTube, 2021
Review of the Sultan AmirAhmad Bathhouse in Kashan, Iran. Source: Youtube, 2022. (check out the full documentary on DocuBay Documentaries)
Aga Kahn Award for Architecture 2013 - Rehabilitation of Tabriz Bazaar, Tabriz, Iran. The Tabriz Grand Bazaar, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 is the largest roofed bazaar in the world and one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Source: Youtube
Short documentary on the famous historical houses of the city of Kashan. Source: YouTube, 2018
Reza Nazemi offers a brief 4K tour of Kashan’s stunning Historical Houses. Source: Youtube, 2017
Channel Persia review the Top 10 Most Famous Mosques in Iran. Source: YouTube 2021
The Golestan Palace in Tehran Iran - designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Source: Youtube, 2019