History of Tehran in Timeline

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, serving as the administrative center for both Tehran province and county. With approximately 9 million residents within the city and 16.8 million in its metropolitan area, it stands as the most populous city in Iran and West Asia. Tehran ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, following Cairo, and holds the 24th position globally in terms of population. The Greater Tehran area encompasses various municipalities, including Karaj and Eslamshahr.

1904: Establishment of First Movie Theater

In 1904, the first movie theater in Tehran was established by Mirza Ebrahim Khan.

1906: Constitutional Revolution and First Constitution

In 1906, growing awareness of civil rights resulted in the Constitutional Revolution and the first constitution of Iran.

June 1907: Parliament Passes Law on Local Governance

In June 1907, the parliament passed a law on local governance known as the Baladie (municipal law), providing a detailed outline of issues such as the role of councils within the city, the members' qualifications, the election process, and the requirements to be entitled to vote.

1907: Suspension of the Baladie Law

After World War I, the constituent assembly elected Reza Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty as the new monarch, who immediately suspended the Baladie law of 1907, replacing the decentralized and autonomous city councils with centralist approaches to governance and planning.

1907: City Officially Became The Capital

In 1907, the city of Tehran officially became the capital of Iran.

June 1908: Mohammad Ali Shah abolishes constitution

On 23 June 1908, Mohammad Ali Shah abolished the constitution and bombarded the parliament with the help of the Russian-controlled Cossack Brigade.

July 1909: Capture of the city by revolutionary forces

On 13 July 1909, the city was captured by the revolutionary forces of Ali-Qoli Khan (Sardar Asad II) and Mohammad Vali Khan (Sepahsalar e Tonekaboni). As a result, the monarch was exiled and replaced by his son Ahmad, and the parliament was re-established.

1933: Street-Widening Act

In 1933, changes to the urban fabric began with the street-widening act, which served as a framework for changes in all other cities. The Grand Bazaar was divided in half and many historic buildings were demolished and replaced by wide straight avenues.

1937: Demolition of the old citadel and city walls

In 1937, the old citadel and city walls were demolished and replaced by wide streets cutting through the urban fabric. By 1937, the city was heavily influenced by modernist planning patterns of zoning and gridiron networks.

1943: Tehran Conference

In 1943, Tehran was the site of the Tehran Conference, attended by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Soviet premier Joseph Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II.

1947: Demolition of Tekye Dowlat

In 1947, the royal theatre of Tekye Dowlat was demolished and replaced with a bank building, following reforms during the reign of Reza Shah.

1948: Establishment of the Planning Organization of Iran

The establishment of the planning organization of Iran in 1948 resulted in the first socioeconomic development plan covering the period from 1949 to 1955.

1949: First socioeconomic development plan

The establishment of the planning organization of Iran in 1948 resulted in the first socioeconomic development plan covering the period from 1949 to 1955.

1955: First socioeconomic development plan

The establishment of the planning organization of Iran in 1948 resulted in the first socioeconomic development plan covering the period from 1949 to 1955.

July 1958: Highest Recorded Temperature

On 3 July 1958, Tehran recorded its highest temperature of 43 °C (109 °F).

1960: Establishment of Parks and Green Spaces Organization

In 1960, the Parks and Green Spaces Organization of Tehran was established to protect urban nature in the city.

1962: Land Reforms and the White Revolution

In 1962, land reforms under Mohammad Reza Shah's White Revolution accentuated Tehran's chaotic growth.

October 1967: Inauguration of Roudaki Hall

In October 1967, the Vahdat Hall, also known as Roudaki Hall, was inaugurated as the national stage for opera and ballet in Tehran. The hall was named after the Persian poet Rudaki and is home to the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Tehran Opera Orchestra, and the Iranian National Ballet Company.

1968: Hosting the Final of the AFC Asian Cup

In 1968, Tehran hosted the final of the AFC Asian Cup.

1968: Approval of First Comprehensive Plan

In 1968, to resolve the problem of social exclusion, the first comprehensive plan was approved. The consortium of Iranian architect Abd-ol-Aziz Farmanfarmaian and the American firm of Victor Gruen Associates identified the main problems blighting the city as high-density suburbs, air and water pollution, inefficient infrastructure, unemployment, and rural-urban migration.

January 1969: Lowest Recorded Temperature

On 8 January 1969, Tehran recorded its lowest temperature of −15 °C (5 °F).

1971: Azadi Tower Built

In 1971, the Azadi Tower was built by the order of the Shah. It was designed by Hossein Amanat, an architect whose design won a competition, combining elements of classical Sasanian architecture with post-classical Iranian architecture. Formerly known as the Shahyad Tower, it was built to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Imperial State of Iran.

1972: Opening of City Theater of Tehran

In 1972, the City Theater of Tehran, one of Iran's biggest theatre complexes, was opened. The theater was built at the initiative and presidency of Empress Farah Pahlavi, and designed by architect Ali Sardar Afkhami.

September 1974: Hosting the 7th Asian Games

In September 1974, Tehran hosted the 7th Asian Games at the Azadi Sport Complex. This was the first time the Asian Games were hosted in West Asia.

July 1975: Highest Recorded Temperature

On 6 July 1975, Tehran recorded its highest temperature of 43 °C (109 °F).

June 1976: Hosting the 6th AFC Asian Cup

In June 1976, Tehran hosted the 6th AFC Asian Cup.

1976: Tochal Ski Resort Opening

In 1976, the Tochal ski resort opened near Tehran, shortly before the 1979 Revolution. It is the world's fifth-highest ski resort and the nearest to a capital city.

1979: Change in Ethnic-Social Composition

After the political, social, and economic consequences of the 1979 Revolution and the years that followed, many Iranian citizens, mostly Tehranis, left Iran.

1979: Iranian national stage for known international artists and troupes in the Middle East

Before the 1979 Revolution, the Iranian national stage had become the most famous performing scene for known international artists and troupes in the Middle East.

1979: Banning of Erotic Dancers

Erotic dancers were active and trained in Tehran until the 1979 revolution. After this date, because of the policies of the new government, these activities were completely banned.

1979: Cabarets Activity

Famous Persian cabarets were active in Tehran until 1979. They also introduced many domestic artists.

1979: Iranian Revolution Transformations

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Tehran underwent profound transformations in its urban landscape, political structure, and social dynamics, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

1979: Islamic Revolution and Renaming of Public Places

Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran's political system shifted from a constitutional monarchy to an Islamic republic. This led to the renaming of streets and public places in Tehran, such as Shahyad Square becoming Azadi Square and Pahlavi Street being renamed Valiasr Street.

1979: Tochal Ski Resort

In 1979 the Tochal ski resort continued to be the world's fifth-highest ski resort and the nearest to a capital city.

1979: Marginalization of the comprehensive plan due to the Revolution

In 1979, the whole comprehensive plan was marginalized by the 1979 Revolution and the subsequent Iran–Iraq War.

1979: Foreign Companies and Modern Industries

Prior to the 1979 Revolution, many foreign companies operated in Iran. Currently, Tehran's industries include manufacturing of automobiles, electronics, electrical equipment, weaponry, textiles, sugar, cement, chemical products, carpets and furniture. Oil refining companies like Pars Oil, Speedy, and Behran are also based in Tehran.

1980: Iran-Iraq war

During the Iran–Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 and as a part of the War of the cities, Tehran was repeatedly targeted by airstrikes and Scud missile attacks leading to substantial infrastructural damage.

1988: Iran-Iraq war

1992: Trolleybus System Inauguration

In 1992, Tehran inaugurated its first trolleybus system, utilizing a fleet of 65 articulated trolleybuses manufactured by Škoda from the Czech Republic.

November 1997: Hosting the First West Asian Games

In November 1997, Tehran hosted the first West Asian Games.

February 2005: Heavy Snow in Tehran

In February 2005, heavy snow covered all parts of Tehran, with snow depth recorded as 15 cm in the south and 100 cm in the north. It was reported as the worst weather in 34 years.

2005: Trolleybus Routes

In 2005, Tehran's trolleybuses operated on five routes originating from Imam Hossein Square. Two routes heading northeast used a segregated busway along Damavand Street, while the other three operated in mixed traffic southward. Both sections featured limited-stop and local services.

2006: National Census

At the time of the 2006 National Census, Tehran had a population of 7,711,230 people, in 2,286,787 households.

2007: Completion of the Milad Tower

In 2007, the 435-meter-high Milad Tower was completed and has become a famous landmark of Tehran.

January 2008: Heavy Snow and Low Temperatures

On 5 and 6 January 2008, a wave of heavy snow and low temperatures covered Tehran, forcing the Council of Ministers to declare a state of emergency and close down the capital from 6 to 7 January.

2008: Bus Rapid Transit Inauguration

Tehran's bus rapid transit (BRT) system was officially inaugurated in 2008. The system includes 10 lines and approximately 215 stations throughout the city.

2009: Graffiti During Presidential Election Protests

During the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests, many graffiti works were created by people supporting the Green Movement in Tehran. These were later removed from the walls by the paramilitary Basij forces.

2009: Ab-o-Atash Park Foundation

In 2009, the Ab-o-Atash Park ("Water and Fire park") was founded in Tehran, featuring an open water fountain area, fire towers, and an amphitheatre.

March 2010: Trolleybus System Extension

In March 2010, a 3.2-kilometer extension of Tehran's trolleybus system was opened, connecting Shoosh Square to Rah Ahan Square.

2010: Government Announces Plan to Move Capital

In 2010, the Iranian government announced the finalization of a plan to move the capital city from Tehran due to security and administrative reasons. The plan includes relocating 163 state firms and several universities from Tehran to mitigate potential earthquake damage.

2010: Sociology Department Census

In the 2010 census by the Sociology Department of the University of Tehran, 63% of the people were born in Tehran, 98% knew Persian, 75% identified themselves as ethnic Persian, and 13% had some degree of proficiency in a European language.

2011: BRT Network Size and Usage

As of 2011, Tehran's BRT system had a network of 100 km, transporting 1.8 million passengers daily.

2011: Census Count

The 2011 census counted 8,154,051 people in Tehran, in 2,624,511 households.

2012: Visit by Indian Prime Minister

In 2012, the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, visited a local gurdwara in Tehran.

2013: Trolleybus System Closure

Around 2013, the trolleybus system in Tehran was closed down.

February 2014: Heavy Snowfall

On 3 February 2014, Tehran received heavy snowfall, specifically in the northern parts of the city, with a depth of 2 metres (6.6 ft). Roads were made impassable in some areas, with temperatures ranging from −8 to −16 °C.

June 2014: Severe Thunderstorm

On 3 June 2014, a severe thunderstorm with powerful microbursts created a haboob, engulfing Tehran in sand and dust and causing five deaths, with more than 57 injured. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down. The temperature dropped from 33 to 19 °C within an hour, accompanied by wind gusts reaching nearly 118 km/h.

October 2014: Graffiti Festival Organized by Tehran University of Art

In October 2014, the Tehran University of Art organized a graffiti festival in Tehran.

2014: Completion of Tabiat Bridge

In 2014, Leila Araghian's Tabiat Bridge, the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran, was completed and is now considered a landmark.

2014: Hosting the FILA Wrestling World Cup

In 2014, Tehran hosted the FILA Wrestling World Cup event at the Azadi Indoor Stadium.

2014: Trolleybus System Found Closed

In 2014, visitors to Tehran found the trolleybus system had closed.

March 2016: Trolleybus System Reopening

In March 2016, the trolleybus system in Tehran reopened, operating on a 1.8-km route between Meydan-e-Khorasan (Khorasan Square) and Bozorgrah-e-Be'sat. Approximately 30 vehicles were refurbished for the service, and extensions were planned.

2016: Tehran Day declared

In 2016, the Tehran City Council declared 6 October "Tehran Day", celebrating the date in 1907 when the city officially became the capital of Iran.

2016: Census Recording

The 2016 census recorded 8,693,706 people in Tehran, in 2,911,065 households.

June 2025: Tehran attacked during the Twelve-Day War

In June 2025, during the Twelve-Day War, Tehran was attacked by Israeli airstrikes leading to mass evacuations.

August 2025: Extreme Heat and Severe Drought

In July and August 2025, Tehran experienced extreme heat and severe drought conditions, marking one of the most acute environmental crises in the city’s recent history.

2025: Expansion of Power Plant Capacity

According to the national energy roadmap, the government plans to promote green technology in order to increase the nominal capacity of power plants in Tehran from 74 gigawatts to over 120 gigawatts by the end of 2025. Solar panels have also been installed in Pardisan Park for green electricity production.

2025: Bombing Damage during the Twelve-Day War

In 2025, Tehran experienced major bombing damage during the Twelve-Day War.

March 2026: Israeli Strikes on Oil Depots

On 8 March 2026, Israeli strikes on oil depots near Tehran caused the city to be engulfed in a cloud of thick black smoke, causing a dangerous black acid rainfall. Residents were advised to stay indoors, wear masks when outside, and conserve food and fuel.