Tehran was the capital of Qajarid dynasty in 18th – 19th centuries. The city was expanded and developed according to the urban planning rules designated by the government. Golestan Palace was part of the Qajarid urban development representing the Qajar art and architecture. Golestan Palace encompasses many highlights such as Shams Ol Emareh (Edifice of the sun), a twin-tower pavilion on the east of the garden.

Follow us if you want to know more about the symbol of 19th century Tehran, Shams Ol Emareh or the Sun Mansion.

Table Of Contents
  1. Shams ol Emareh, the first high-rise building in Tehran and a symbol of ancient Tehran
  2. History of Shams ol Emareh Mansion
  3. Shams Ol Emareh Architecture
  4. Shams Ol Emareh decorations and clock gift from Queen Victoria
  5. Address and time of visiting Shams ol Emareh EDIFICE
  6. Shams ol Emareh entrance fee
  7. FAQ

Shams ol Emareh, the first high-rise building in Tehran and a symbol of ancient Tehran

Naser Al din Shah Qajar, the fourth Qajar king, was inspired by the high-rise buildings in Europe and he ordered to build Shams Ol Emareh tower. This high-rise structure was once the tallest building in Tehran and the most prominent edifice in Golestan Palace. This beautiful edifice was inspired by Aliqapu palace, a 16th century Safavid masterpiece, in Isfahan. Western architectural styles were also applied to the construction plan and decoration of the structure. Shams Ol Emareh tower has not only been the symbol of ancient Tehran, but once the symbol of governmental power of Qajarid dynasty.

History of Shams ol Emareh Mansion

Naser Al Din Shah, the recognized Qajar monarch, was the first contemporary Persian monarch who visit Europe. He was amazed by the European architecture and he traveled to Europe frequently.

The idea of building Shams Ol Emareh sparked in Naser Al Din Shah’s mind when he came back from one of the European countries. He ordered the construction of a high-rise mansion and Moayer ol Mamalek, a prominent official of Qajar, commissioned the construction. Then the experienced and skilled architect, Mohammad Kashi, built this glorious edifice between 1903 to 1905.

Shams Ol Emareh Architecture

Shams Ol Emareh edifice was inspired by the techniques driven from both traditional Iranian and western architecture. It is a five-story building with the height of 35 m making it the first high-rise building in 19th century Tehran. Shams Ol Emareh mansion consists of two symmetrical towers with identical details. Located on the east part of Golestan Palace, this magnificent mansion was built to offer a panoramic view of the neighboring area and the city of Tehran. It is recorded that Shams Ol Emareh edifice was not only the first high-rise building in Tehran but the first building in which metal material was used.

The first floor consists of the king’s room (Shahneshin) and a porch. Two side rooms (Gooshvareh) are attached to the king’s room overlooking the garden through beautiful sash windows. This floor was typically used for official rituals and royal ceremonies.

Shams Ol Emareh decorations and clock gift from Queen Victoria

Shams Ol Emareh tower is finely decorated with tilework, mirror work, paintings and fresco ornamentation. The façade of the edifice is decorated with multiple arches and the walls are covered in fine tilework (Kashi Haft Rang). The windows were built in Iranian style with western touches. On top of Shams Ol Emareh sits a beautiful clock gifted to Naser Al din Shah by Queen Victoria. It is reported that this is the first clock in Iran. The sound of this clock was annoying for the residents, then the king ordered to lessen the noise, but the person in charge muted it mistakenly for over 100 years. The clock was then repaired in 2012.

Address and time of visiting Shams ol Emareh EDIFICE

Shams Ol Emareh is located in a historical area of Tehran. The address of this magnificent edifice is at 15 Khordad, Arg Square, Golestan Palace. You can visit this beautiful mansion:

Spring and summer between 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Autumn and Winter between 9AM to 4:30 PM

Shams ol Emareh entrance fee

The entrance fee is: 300,000 Rials

FAQ

when was Shams ol Emareh built?

Shams Ol Emareh edifice was built in 1903 and it took two years to be completed.

When is Shams ol Emareh open?

The visiting hour of Shams Ol Emareh is:
Spring and summer between 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Autumn and Winter between 9AM to 4:30 PM

What hotels are near Shams ol Emareh?

Shams Ol Emareh is located in the historical district of Tehran. You can reserve your hotel near this area and enjoy visiting the important tourist destination of Tehran located in your walking distance. If you are seeking a luxurious stay, Ferdowsi Hotel is a good option. Hanna Boutique Hotel also offers a comfortable and cozy accommodation. Shahryar Hotel, Markazi Iran Hotel and Golestan Hotel are suitable for the travelers seeking a budget trip. Arian Boutique Hotel gives you the opportunity to experience a traditional sprit of Iran.

What restaurants are near Shams ol Emareh?

Once you are visiting Shams Ol Emareh, you can easily find traditional restaurants close by. Shamshiry restaurant, Sharaf El Islam, Moslem Restaurant and Khayyam restaurant are the top restaurants in that district offering the original taste of Iranian cuisine.

What attractions are near Shams ol Emareh?

You can easily manage to visit several attractions located very close to Shams Ol Emareh. National museum of Iran, Grand Bazaar, National Jewelry museum, Abgineh Museum of Tehran, Malek National museum and Shah mosques of Tehran are among the top destinations located near Shams Ol Emareh.