Tehran: Iran's Capital at the Foot of the Alborz

Location & Setting

Tehran (also spelled Teheran) is the capital and largest city of Iran. Situated in the north-central part of the country, it sprawls against the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains at 1,191 m (3,907 ft) elevation.

Key Facts

• Population: ~9.5M (city), ~16M (metro) – 24th largest globally.
• Climate: Cold semi-arid; hot dry summers, cold snowy winters (ski resorts 30 min north).
• Landmarks: Golestan Palace (UNESCO), Azadi Tower, Milad Tower (6th tallest tower), Grand Bazaar, National Museum, Treasury of National Jewels.
• Economy: 30% Iran's GDP; manufacturing, finance, media, education hub.
• Transport: Metro (7 lines), BRT, Mehrabad (domestic) & Imam Khomeini (intl) airports.

Historical Note

Originally a village near medieval Ray. Chosen as capital by Agha Mohammad Khan (Qajar) in 1786 for strategic proximity to Caucasus frontiers. Exploded from 200K (1920) to megacity post-1960s.

Tehran embodies Iran's tensions: tradition/modernity, piety/cosmopolitanism, seismic risk/resilience.