Tehran’s historic Azadi Square, one of the city’s most cherished landmarks, is scheduled for demolition within the next month, according to documentation revealed on social media.
The news has sparked outrage among Iranians online, who suspect the project to be a decision by Tehran’s hardline Mayor, Alireza Zakani, known for his recent initiatives to construct mosques in city parks.
Social media users are rallying support, urging fellow Iranians to disseminate the information to help safeguard the national symbol from destruction.
Alireza Nadali, the spokesperson for the Tehran City Council, denied the rumors, stating, “Azadi Square is the most important symbol of freedom-seeking in our country and will not be demolished under any circumstances.”
Nadali added, “In fact, we are reviewing a plan that aims to preserve Azadi Square with its current identity and appearance, and to further develop it as a cultural square with a focus on the discourse of the Islamic Revolution.”
Azadi Square, historically known as Shahyad Square before the Islamic Revolution, was commissioned by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, originally designed to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Imperial State of Iran. One of the most beloved symbols of the city, it ranks as the third most recommended site for tourists, following museums and palaces.
Last week, Hossein Amanat, the designer and chief architect of the Azadi Tower who has projects in Iran, China, the Middle East and North America, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of British Columbia in Canada. Born into a Baha’i family, Amanat moved to Canada a year following the 1979 revolution.
