Golestan palace is one of the exclusive historical complexes of Iran established in different times and for different functions. The name is derived from the Golestan Hall, located in the exterior edifice. The construction of this complex was started in Safavid era. Chahar bagh and Chenarestan were built in the north part of the complex at the time of Shah Abbas I and the royal edifice added there but nothing remained today.

The oldest buildings in Golestan complex are Marble Throne Iwan (Iwan-e takht-e Marmar) and Khalvat-e Karimkhani belongs to Karim khan Zand period. The palace has been mostly extended during Qajar era and used as the residence of Qajar kings.

After the conquest of Pahlavi I dynasty, a large part of Tehran’s arg such as its fences, Bab-e-Ali entrance gate, the Department of Finance, gallery, Tekye Dolat, Narenjestan, Golshan garden and interior buildings were destroyed and this palace become a center for official ceremonies and used as a residence for presidents and foreign special guests.

There were many various buildings in Golestan Palace in the past, among them Interior edifice (emarat-e andaruni), Naseri dormitory, the hall of Khan-e Maghfur, exterior edifice (emarat-e Biruni), Sanduq Khaneh edifice, Royal Rakhtdar khaneh (grand closet) can be noted.

Currently, the visitors can observe the following buildings with different kinds of styles and beautiful architectural decoration in the palace: Marble throne Iwan, Khalvat-e Karimkhani, Museum room (Salam Hall) and its Hoz Khaneh (a pool House), Mirror Hall, Ivory Hall or traditional restaurants, Brillian or ceremonial hall, library, Shams-ol Emareh edifice, windproof edifice and its wide Hoz Khaneh, Diamond Hall, Abyaz palace, Chādor khaneh.

Today new functions have been assigned to each part: ethnography museums, a place for preserving the royal remains, library and administrative offices.

Arg-e-Bam, the largest mud brick complex of the world, is a huge fort, at the heart of which the main Arg (castle) is located as the highest sector; however, the name “Arg-e Bam” refers to the whole construction.

Bam city and its Arg had been among the most historical military forts constructed along the Silk Road. According to some narrations, the origins of this Bam complex can be traced back to Achaemenid or Parthian eras, although it continued to live as a residential area up to the late Qajar period.

Mud brick, clay and rarely stone, brick and palm tree trunk are the main materials used in structure of this place. The historic Arg-e-Bam is composed of different architectural sectors as: ditch, fence, various forts and gates, mosque, bazaar, tekyeh, fire temple, inn, school, bath, prison, gym, and aristocratic or public residential area (interconnected public houses), royal domain including soldier’s home, stables, mill, the house of army commander and the ruler house parts including, an edifice for four seasons (a three-story building as royal palace), monitoring tower, and water well (the drinking water of Arg inhabitants was supplied from the wells in the yard of their houses).

This unique complex was damaged seriously in the earthquake in 2003 and it has been restored and reconstructed cooperated with many countries as Japan, Italy and France.

Pasargadae complex is an ancient area, including a large number of structures which was remained from the first capital of the Achaemenid era (sixth century BC) in Iran, located in the valley of Polvār River, and established by Cyrus the Great.

This complex belongs historically to three periods: (1) Prehistoric and Pre- Achaemenid monuments; (2) Achaemenid era: includes a private palace of Cyrus, the reception hall or Cyrus Bār-e-ām (public permission), the gateway palace or eastern palace protected by Lamassu, a relief of mythological creature made of stone, a stony terrace called ” Throne of the Mother of Solomon” (Takht-e mādar-e Soleymān) (the Defensive structure of Tal-e Takht), the Royal Garden of Pasargadae, the royal palace fountains, the stone basins, ruins of stone tower, a building known as prison, fortress of Pasargadae, Pasargadae fire temple and sacred area, and finally the Cyrus tomb (the most prominent part of the site); (3) Islamic monuments: Atabakān mosque, an inscription and carved altar in the Cyrus mausoleum, an Islamic building named Mozaffari School or caravanserai located in 1 hundred meters north of Cyrus mausoleum. Bolāghi Tangeh and the incomplete Pasargadae Museum are also among the other parts of this complex.

Pasargadae ancient complex made of materials as stone, brick, mud brick and wood, is representative of the first step of flourishing and development of architecture, sculpture, painting and simulating arts in the Achaemenid era, which is considered to be a model for Persepolis; it is an exceptional testimony of Iranian civilization.

Known as an important historical and cultural complex and, according to legend, the birthplace of Zoroaster, Takht-e Soleyman had been the dwelling of different tribes along history: Mendes, Achaemenian, Parthian, Sassanian and Ilkhanian. It was considered as one of the largest pre-Islamic Iranian instructional, religious, social and worship center.

In addition to the historical remains of Azargoshtasp fire temple, located within an oval wall, around a magical lake, with a depth of 12 m, at the center of the complex (equally in summer and winter, the water temperature is usually 21 °C.) and 38 towers on the natural stony plates made from the sediments of the lake, there are some natural settings here: hollow mountain sugarloaf shape (Soleyman Prison Mountain), Castles (Belqeis castle) and monitoring towers, remains of the temples (Anahita temple), halls, hot springs, stone wall made of the lake sediments, rivers, movable grass, various lakes, various mines, beautiful mountain landscapes and heritages of the first millennium BC, old stone mines etc.

The carved stones and large bricks used in the construction of the place have made the monument appearance most unique and beautiful.

Takht-e Jamshid (Persepolis, Parse, Parse Polis), is a huge complex including palaces, gates, kings mausoleums, reliefs, and glorious stairways constructed on the west hillside of Rahmat mountain; it was started to establish  in 518 BC and completed after 150 years.

Being developed during the dynasty of Darius I, Xerxes and Artaxerxes I, this ancient city was considered a majestic and ceremonial capital for Achaemenian, which had been constructed on a stone terrace higher than the Marvdasht flatlands.

Achaemenid architecture, best-known as the art of integration and innovation, is one of the most artistic and architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. The palaces of this complex are consisted of several important parts such as: entrance stairs, gate of all nations, Āpādānā palace (Royal Bār-e-ām palace), Tachar (exclusive palace of King), Hadish palace, Hall of Tripylon (Triple Gate), Palace of  the Hundred Columns, incomplete gateway, and mausoleums in the eastern part.

Based on various evidences, certain usages are considered for Persepolis such as temporary residence and resting place, a place to hold the rituals and spring ceremonies, an observatory for astronomical studies, the Council and Parliament place, a great worship place for performing rituals and also a Ziggurat inspired by the architecture of Mesopotamian Ziggurats.

Limestones in different colors are installed here without any mortar and only by use of metal clamps. Many different people had been employed by Achaemenian in the process of making this huge complex; in addition to a monthly wage, they were provided with the labor insurance, too.

In 321 BC Alexander set fire to Persepolis and a great part of the complex was destroyed.

Tchogha Zanbil historical region is an ancient city constructed by Elamite king in the 13th century BC. This city was consisted of different parts such as Ziggurat, concentric enclosed walls, entrance gateways, temples, houses, palaces, water disposal facilities and three inner, central and outer fences.

The holiest part of the city, Ziggurat (an Akkadian word used for multi-story temples in Elam and Mesopotamia), was an ancient worship place which is located on a hill along the Dez river bank.

Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat, the first religious building in Iran, was constructed in five floors totally with the height of 52 m from which only 2 floors and half remained. The fifth floor, which was the highest floor and the place of the Susa special Gods, was exclusively used by the priest and the royal family. Gifted to two Elamite Gods, this building was constructed by mud brick and fired brick. Some bricks with the same inscriptions, carved in cuneiform characters are observable on the walls of temple on which we can see the name of king and his purpose of establishing the temple.

The building had been buried under the ground like an inverse basket for many centuries, and it was just recently, in Pahlavi II era, that the temple has been excavated by French archaeologist, Roman Ghirshman,

Soltaniyeh historical dome, the largest brick dome in the world, was built commissioned by Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh (Oljeitu) in Soltaniyeh city, the capital of Ilkhanid dynasty from 1302 to 1312.

This mausoleum, as an artistic masterpiece of Iranian and Islamic architecture, in Azari style is the first monument through which we can clearly follow the evolution process of Persian-Islamic architecture from Seljuk to Ilkhanid. Brick is the main material used in this building.

The plan of ground floor, the first floor and the nearby spaces has been designed as a semi-rectangle shape and the other parts of the plan in the second and third floor is an octagonal on which the dome is stood as a hemispherical form. Eight minarets have been designed to place on the angles of the octagonal above the third floor. In addition to eight entrances, eight porches, eight minarets and a dome, the building has consisted of a Torbat khaneh and a basement.

It is stated that the Soltaniyeh skylight windows are similar to the sun clocks which had been used for religious issues. Two-shelled domes are invented here for the first time in the architecture history of the world. The Soltaniyeh brick dome is the third tall dome in the world after Florence Santa Maria Cathedral and Istanbul Hagia Sophia.

The outer shell of the dome has been covered by turquoise blue and ultramarine marquetry tiles. Soltaniyeh dome is two-shelled and the building has various rich decorations.

Wall paintings, lattice brickworks, wooden and stony decorations, plaster and brick muqarnas and some Qur’anic inscriptions are among different kinds of architectural decorations in Soltaniyeh.

Shushtar hydraulic system, one of the oldest engineering masterpieces in Iran and the world, has been constructed as an economical-industrial complex in the vicinity of the Shushtar historical area, under Sassanid Empire.

This hydraulic system is an interconnected complex of mills, waterfalls, bridges, dams, channels, huge water conduction tunnels and Sika (a Leisure place) which work together in order to optimal use of water power as the driving force of industrial mills. The system distributes the Karun water to all regions of Shushtar and the cities around. All areas of waterfalls and mills was built of Granite and lime mortar, and the material of making nesting rooms was carved stones and also stone walls of the river.

The work process of Shushtar complex based on the Gargar dam (which is itself one of the engineering masterpieces totally hand-dug in Sasanid era) which blocks the river flow and consequently raises the water level in order to dewater three tunnels dug in the rock. Triple tunnels, direct water into several channels, turning the mills’ wheels, water pours into a pool-like area, like a waterfall.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (a famous poet and theosophist) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble (Persian: آرامگاه شیخ صفی الدین اردبیلی) is one of Iran’s UNESCO world heritage sites. It is located in Ardebil, Iran.  Sheikh Safi-al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is the masterpiece of post-Islamic Iranian architecture that attracts many Iranians and non-Iranians to Ardebil. This site is registered as number 1345 on UNESCO world heritage lists. It built using traditional Iranian architecture (Ilkhanid & Timurid) and inspired by Sufism.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (the ancestor of Safavid kings) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, is the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, the ancestor of Safavid kings. It is an artistic and architectural masterpiece that was built commissioned by Sadr-al-din Musa, Sheikh’s son. Other parts have been added to this complex in the early Safavid dynasty.
Allah Dome is referred to as the main building of Sheikh Safi al-din Khaneghah and Shrine Ensemble. This part has an octagonal structure with a turquoise blue dome. The word “Allah” has been repeated several times on it. The Tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble is located under the dome. Shah Ismail, I (The First king of Safavid), his wife (Mother of Shah Tahmasp), some elders, officials, and victims of the Chaldiran battle are also entombed in this building.

Janat sera mosque, Qandil Khaneh, Chini Khaneh, Chelle Khaneh, Sharbat Khaneh, Shahid Gah (a graveyard for victims of Chaldiran battle), Haram Khaneh, and alcove (Shah Neshin) are the other sectors of the complex. A library, mosque, school, hospital, kitchen, bakery, and some administrative offices were added to this complex later.

Putting together many different and outstanding works of art including Mosaic tile Muqarnas, beautiful stucco inscriptions and the calligraphy of the great Safavid artists, wood carving, Silversmith, illuminated manuscript and Gilding, painting, Tong Bori, etc. is the remarkable feature of this resemble.

Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble consist of four yards: garden yard (the biggest one), the big yard of the complex, around which the collection of main buildings is located, small yard, between the garden yard and big yard, and finally south yard or Shahidgah.

Diversity of designs and exclusive architectural styles in Persian gardens symbolizes the image of Eden with four Zoroastrian elements of sky, earth, water and plants. Persian garden with three certain features and an exclusive design is globally well-known as outstanding example of Persian culture: (1) located along the water stream; (2) surrounded by high walls; and (3) contained a summer edifice and a pool of water.

Nine Persian garden registered in UNESCO include: Pasargade garden in Shiraz as the mother of Persian gardens, built in 6th century BC, and related to Cyrus the great; Eram garden of Shiraz , built in Seljuk era with a Qajar edifice; Chehel  Sotun garden of Isfahan, The royal garden, Safavid period; Fin garden of Kashan, Safavid era; Mahan garden of Kerman, late Qajar era; Akbarieh garden of Birjand , late Zandieh and early Qajar era; Dolat Abad garden of Yazd,  late Afsharid dynasty; Pahlevan pour garden of Mehriz, late Qajar dynasty; Abbas Abad garden, Safavid era.

Known as one of the most important and among the earliest religious buildings in Iran, Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan is a magnificent and exquisite, artistically and technically significant monument, which embraces several phases of Islamic architectural development.

The mosque is one of the largest and the most mysterious mosques in the Muslim world in which the main building was developed in early Islamic period, on the basis of a late Sassanid monument.

The current facade of mosque is related to Seljuk era, however, the most important development projects have been conducted under the Safavid and Buyid dynasties.

Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan reflects the Byzantium and Classical art in form of a traditional and Islamic building constructed in Razi Persian architectural style with four-Iwan plan.

Different sections of the mosque are: a four-Iwan courtyard, shabestan, Mozaffari school, small terraces of Daylamites era, Nezamolmolk dome, Taj al-Mulk dome, Oljeitu altar (the most beautiful stucco altar), the most beautiful carved pulpit, four famous porches named Saheb, Ostad, Shagerd, Darvish Iwans with muqarnas and Karbandi decoration each presents a certain Islamic architectural tendency. The mosque has multiple entrances linking the inner spaces with nearby contexts. In this exceptional masterpiece, we can see not only different architecture and decoration styles, but also several outstanding inscriptions in Arabic and Farsi calligraphy.

The historical tower of Gonbad-e Qabus is one of the outstanding architectures of the Islamic era dating back to the 4th century AD. Despite the limited use of decorating elements, the tower has a harmoniously fortified structure.

The tower is the tallest brick tower in the world which has been constructed on a hill with a height of 15 meters above the ground level in 375 Solar Hijri at the time of Qabus-ibn Wushmgir.

The building’s architecture was designed based on Razi method and built with brick and plaster. The building’s body is constructed with red bricks which through the reflection of sunlight seem golden.

Gonbad-e-Qabus includes two parts: the foundation of the building and its body with star shape–conical dome.

The exterior circular body of Gonbad-e-Qabus
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1398is consisted of 10 brick Tarks (like 10-pointed star). The Tarks are placed around the tower placed an equal distance from one another. The Tarks’ installation begins from the foundation and continues up to under the dome.

The conical dome of this building is the industrial and architectural wonder of this artistic masterpiece. An aperture on the east part and a gate in the south part of the tower are improvised in the structure.

There is a stalactite in an entrance gate arch, which seems to be in the first phases of such architectural and stucco decoration. Two rows of Kufic inscription have been designed looking like a belt around the outer body of the building.

One row of such inscriptions is located in the height of eight meters from the ground and another row is located under the conical dome which is built with brick in a plain pattern without any relief and decorated with legible words with a rectangle brick frame.