Saadabad Historical Complex

Saadabad Historical Complex, lying on the foothills of Darband, includes 18 palaces. It is one of the most prominent monuments in the contemporary history of Iran.

The History of Saadabad Complex

Saadabad Historical Complex used to be located in the outlying districts of Tehran. The first building of this complex was built in Qajar era as the summer residence of the kings.

This site developed when the Pahlavi came to power. After Reza Shah reached the throne with the coup of 1921, more palaces were added to this complex. The palaces had remained from the Qajar era was also renovated.

Saadabad Historical Complex; Where Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin Met Each Other in the Tehran Conference

One of the most important historical events having taken place in Saadabad Historical Complex is Tehran Conference. This conference was held in 1943 during World War II to decide on the continuation of the war.

The main members of Tehran Conference were Roosevelt, the president of the USA, Churchill, the prime minister of England, and Stalin, the second leader of Soviet Union.

The decisions made in Tehran Conference had a great impact on the destiny of World War II. In fact, the USA mobilized the army of Soviet Union so that they could fail Nazi army. As a result, Iran was known as “the Bridge to the Victory of the Allies”.

The Entrances of Saadabaad Historical Complex

As you know, the palaces have different entrances each of which are used in special conditions. For instance, Saadabad Complex has 8 entrances. The big gates were reserved for military parades or the passage of governmental officials and the small ones were used by officials and service staff.

Nezamieh Gate (literally means military gate) was known as Tashrifat Gate in the Qajar era. In the reign of Reza Shah, it retained its use as the passageway of royal guards for marching ceremonies. Later, Darband Gate was reserved for these ceremonies in the reign of Mohhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. As a result, people were allowed to watch the parade.

Zaferanieh Gate, from which foreign guests entered, was located in a low populated neighborhood with high security. This gate used to be guarded with more sensitivity.

The Mansions of Saadabad Historical Complex

There are 18 palaces in Saad Abad Historical Complex, most of which belonged to Pahlavi royal family. The last palace built in this complex belonged to Leila Pahlavi, the youngest daughter of Mohammad Reza Shah. In the following, we introduce some of the most important palaces.

Mellat Palace Museum, the Biggest Palace of Saadabad Historical Complex

Mellat Palace, including 61 sections, is the largest mansion of this complex. Featuring all-white façade, it used to be known as White Palace. After the revolution taking place in 1979, it was renamed to Mellat Palace. This museum palace dates back to the reign of Reza Shah Pahalvi in the 19th century. It also became the residence of Mohammad Reza Shah after his unfinished assassination in 1949.

Green Museum Palace, the Most Beautiful Mansion in Saadabad Historical Complex

Green Palace Museum is of the most beautiful mansions in this complex. It used to be known as Shahvand Palace. But renamed to Green Palace due to its façade covered with green stones.

Green Palace Museum is divided two sections. The first section includes waiting room, workroom, mirror hall, private dinning room and bedroom. The second section was added to the palace with the purpose of serving foreign gusts. You can also observe different Iranian arts such as mirrorwork, plasterwork, Illuminated manuscript and Khātam (a Persian technique of inlaying).

Ahmad Shahi Palace

Ahmad Shahi Palace, dating back to the late Qajar era, is the oldest building of this complex. After the revolution of 1979, this palace came under control of revolutionary forces and was renovated later.

Omidvar Brothers Museum

Omidvar brothers were the first Iranian tourists who travelled around the world. They were travelling from 1955 to 1965. This museum which is of the most spectacular museums in Iran and the world, exhibits their achievements.

Master Farshchian Miniature Museum

To observe the artworks of Master Mahmoud Farshchian you should head for Esmat Dowlatshahi Palace. This palace, dating back to the Qajar era, belonged to the 4th wife of Reza Shah. Today, it has converted a museum that exhibits more than 70 paintings of Mahmoud Farshchian, the master of Iran’s miniature.

Karbas Palace, Master Behzad Museum

Karbas Palace was the residence and office of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Later, his grandchild resided in this palace. That is why it is also known as Prince Palace. Today, it has converted the artworks museum of Master Hossein. Behzad.

Shams Palace, the Museum of Royal Clothes

This building was the summer residence of Shams Pahlavi, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s sister. This two-story palace is an integration of Iranian and European architecture. The most famous clothes of Farah Diba, the 3rd wife of the king, is also on exhibit there.

Ashraf Palace, Royal Tableware Museum

Ashraf Palace, located in the eastern face of Saadabad Historical Complex, belonged to the twin sister of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This palace has been renovated with an inspiration from French architectural style. Currently, this site has converted to tableware museum and hold more than 500 plates.

Fine Arts Museum

Fine Arts Museum lies in the southern face of Saadabad Complex and hold a precious collection of splendid paintings. It was built by the order of Reza Pahlavi and was used as the royal court in the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. You can observe black marble in the decoration of this structure.

Royal Cars Museum

This museum is so attractive for the interested ones to old stylish automobiles. The most important royal cars are preserved in this place. Each of the cars has been produced by the most famous world’s automakers.

Royal Cars Museum is divided to two sections. The first section is related to Rolls-Royce Gallery and the other one is related to Benz company. There is also a hall that exclusively belongs to Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. It is one of the most beautiful and rarest classic automobiles of the world that belonged to Farah Diba. There is also Mercedes Benz 600 with Bulletproof body that belonged to Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

The Beautiful Autumn Nature of Saadabad Historical Complex

The palaces of this complex are located in a green garden with a high variety of trees. In the autumn, the colorful leaves of the garden create spectacular sceneries that provide photographers with the opportunity to capture artistic photos. After a beautiful stroll, you can take a seat on the benches and rest.

Visiting Saadabad Historical Complex and Acquaintance with Qajar and Pahlavi Kings Way of Life

On your trip to Iran, don’t forget to visit Tehran and its palace complexes. Especially, Saadabad Complex that includes numerous palaces with different architectural style. You can also get to know the way Qajar and Pahlavi kings lived.

In general, Tehran is home to three palace complexes including Golestan, Niavaran and Saadabad. Golestan palace is listed in UNESCO World Heritage site. The other main cities of Iran also have beautiful palaces with high historical value.

You can view the tours offered by 1001 Nights Tours that include Tehran here. You can also click here to know more about the other attractions of this city.