When it comes to famed and historic structures to visit in Iran, the magnificent Islamic mosques, intricate palaces, and ruins of past civilizations are top of mind. But did you know there are enchanting squares of Iran, too, just waiting to be explored? Many guided tours often include an exploration of these public squares, and it’s never too late to add it to your travel plans.
Like its famed palaces and mosques, Iran squares allow locals and tourists to learn more about the country’s culture, traditions, and history while providing comfort and relaxation thanks to their sprawling sizes and environment-friendly designs. If you’re planning a tour of Iran or want to brush up your knowledge of this Middle Eastern country, well read and discover some of this country’s hidden gems!
So, what is a public square?
In urban planning, we refer to a square or public square as a public area open for different activities. Its traditionally run and managed by the government, and people traditionally use it for different purposes, such as open markets, rallies, concerts, and other events, or simply for socialization.
While we call this public space a ‘square,’ it doesn’t mean all public squares are of this shape. Sometimes, it can assume other layouts, but its most common feature is that it’s traditionally located at the center of the city, and often, you’ll find a statue or monument in the center. Public squares are popularly integrated into the designs of many cities worldwide, including China, where you can find Tiananmen Square, the piazzas of Malta and Italy, and the central squares of Russia. In these public squares, governments use them to host events or run markets; at times, they become the center of protests and demonstrations.
And when it comes to grand town squares, the ones in Iran certainly join the list. In Persian architecture, locals call these squares the ‘Meydan. It’s an important feature of traditional urban planning in the country, and a typical Iranian square is often connected to a large mosque, a bazaar, or a line of shops and stores. Like the popular public squares in other countries, the squares of Iran serve as the center of business and activities and the perfect spot to socialize and connect with people.
But for some researchers, the squares in Iran also serve as a political and economic tool. One study suggests that Iran’s ‘meydan’ is at the core of city life and manifests the local’s power relations and religious ideologies. So by exploring the enchanting squares of Iran, you also appreciate the local customs, traditions, and religion.
Squares of Iran- Blending symbolic layouts and a rich story
Although we often point to mosques, museums, and palaces as the best representation of Persian architecture, we should remember that these Iran squares are equally important, too. There are plenty of squares in Iran that speak volumes about the country’s rich history and architecture. In some of these popular public squares, there are Persian gardens, too, that are equally breathtaking. Some of these gardens and squares are now under the care and guidance of UNESCO as part of its list of World Heritage.
Our shortlist below can guide and inform you if you want to learn more about Iran’s squares. Read on, discover the top public squares in Iran, and we lay down why they’re national gems and treasures, too!
Naqsh-e Jahan Square or the Shah Square
Among the many squares in Iran, it’s safe to say that Naqs-e Jahan Square is the most important and influential. You can find this public square in the city of Isfahan, and you can also find several important buildings and structures that date back to the Safavid era. Aside from its enormous size, this square also boasts several buildings linked to Persian history and culture. For example, you can visit the Shah Mosque in the area, which boasts the largest dome, and its interiors feature mosaic tiles and calligraphy as its design. Did you know that this mosque is featured in an Iranian banknote?
Aside from this famed mosque, the square is also home to the Lotfollah Mosque, which was initially constructed for use by the royal court. You will also find the Imperial Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the region. Tourists on a day tour often include a trip and exploration of the bazaar as part of their activities for the day.
This popular square in Iran occupies a special place in Iran’s history and culture. While many tourists and travelers now appreciate this square for its immense size and picture-perfect structures and gardens, the Naqs-e Jahan Square stands out for its meaningful symbolism. Historians say this grand square represents the styling and aspirations of the Safavid rule when Isfahan was the country’s capital. Originally, this public square was the site of important national events and the capital city’s showpiece. Also, this grand square in Iran was used for diverse activities, such as celebrations, polo matches, assembling troops, and even public executions!
Today, Shah Square is one of the most valuable squares in Iran, and it’s now part of the UNESCO list of its World Heritage Sites. If you’re a keen student of history, appreciate art, and love to eat and shop, then including this location in your plans is a great move!
Amir Chakhmaq Square
In our list of top squares in Iran, you don’t want to miss out on the Amir Chakhmaq Complex in Yazd. It’s a mosque that sits on a public square. If you visit this square, one of the first things you’ll notice is its dramatic design.
Design enthusiasts and even travelers marvel at its symmetrical sunken alcoves, and the mosque becomes more enchanting if you time your visit in the afternoon or early evening. If you visit the square early evening, you’ll notice orange lighting that appears on the alcoves, setting up a perfect photo moment. So, it’s no longer surprising that many tourists troop to this square to appreciate its grandeur and relax while learning about the local history.
If you plan to add this square to your bucket list, we highly recommend visiting it in the early spring, from March to May, and November. You can reach Yazd through different means, with the train and bus as the most popular. While at Yazd, you can also explore its offerings and use public transport to go around the city.
Azadi Square
In our list of the best squares of Iran, you’ll notice that they boast a long and rich history intertwined with the country’s religion and traditions. But one stunning public square is relatively recent and has plenty of stories to tell. We’re referring to the Azada Square, which roughly translates to ‘Freedom Square.’ You can find this green public square in Tehran, and it boasts the Azadi Tower.
The Azadi Tower is important not just for the city but also for the country for several reasons. First, it was built to commemorate the 2,500th year of the Persian Empire. Second, it also acts as Iran’s kilometer zero, and you’ll find several roads in the area. And third, this tower is based on the winning design of Hossein Amanat, which draws inspiration from classical and post-classical Persian architecture.
Toopkhaneh
Toopkhaneh is another popular public square in the country that you can add to your plans. This square isn’t as grand as the other squares of Iran on our list, but it’s still a worthy addition to our travel list. Today, locals call this area the Imam Khomeini Square in the capital city. The Toopkhaneh is also an important landmark since it’s strategically located in Tehran.
According to historians, the public square was constructed upon the recommendation of Amir Kabir during the Qajar era. This public square may lack the stylish appeal of the Amir Chakhmaq or the enormity and grand planning of the Shah Square, but it’s still important in the country’s course of history.
Specifically, this area is a silent witness to several historical events that help shaped the country. For example, the square hosted several political demonstrations and protests over national issues, including nationalizing the country’s oil industry. You’ll also find a few landmarks, including a tall building on its side. If you continue your exploration of the public square and its area, you can check out the Ostad Sanati Museum and Imamzadeh Ruhollah Hassani’s shrine.
Planning to visit Iran? Don’t forget to work with a trusted travel agency
Traditionally, public squares are vast open spaces where communal activities and events are hosted. Thanks to their open and green designs, these are the perfect places to relax and socialize. But then, if you visit and explore Iran squares, you’ll discover these public spaces offer more to tourists and travelers. These Iran squares reflect the country’s rich history, traditions, and spirituality, like its grand palaces and magnificent Islamic mosques. Stepping into one of its squares is like going back in time and acting as a silent witness of its history. Also, thanks to changes in modern times, new structures have been added to these Iran squares, which help enhance your travel experience.
If you haven’t visited Iran or are planning it as part of your bucket list, you can check out our list. To further improve your Iran tour, we highly recommend working with a trusted Iran travel agency that understands the ins and outs of travel. A travel agency serves as your partner in maximizing your Iranian tour. It can help with all aspects of travel, from securing your Visa for Filipino citizens and planning guided tours. Since they know the country and its famed tourist locations, they can make recommendations to enhance your travel experience further.
