The Golestan Palace: Qajar Dynasty Opulence

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit a historic, royal complex that blends Persian and European architecture.

The Salam Hall (Reception Hall) at Golestan Palace exemplifies Qajar architecture with intricate tile work, multiple arches, and ornate windows. The large pool outside the complex, coupled with the lush greenery, is one of the most universal features of a traditional Persian courtyard. Uwe Seidner/Shutterstock

Serving for centuries as a royal palace for Persian Shahs (kings), the Golestan Palace is one of Iran’s most magnificent architectural works and among the oldest historic monuments in the city of Tehran.

Literally meaning “Rose Garden Palace” in Farsi, Golestan began its transformation into a royal palace with the construction of a citadel during Tahmasp I Shah’s reign (1524–1576). The eponymous walled garden was added by Abbas the Great (reigned 1587–1629). In 1789, Agha Mohammad Shah established the Qajar dynasty and made Tehran the national capital with Golestan as his primary residence.