Shams-ol-Emareh, meaning “Edifice of the Sun,” is one of the most iconic landmarks of Tehran

#hellohalloween Shams-ol-Emareh, meaning “Edifice of the Sun,” is one of the most iconic landmarks of Tehran and a masterpiece of 19th-century Persian architecture. Built during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar around 1867, it was the tallest building in Tehran at the time and symbolized the Shah’s fascination with modern European design. The palace stands inside the Golestan complex, its twin towers rising proudly above the old city skyline. With elegant arches, mirror mosaics, delicate tilework, and wooden balconies overlooking Tehran, Shams-ol-Emareh was both a royal residence and a viewpoint to admire the capital. It reflects the Qajar era’s blend of Persian tradition and Western influence. Today, it remains one of the most beautiful and photographed buildings in Iran — a shining reminder of the city’s royal past and architectural charm.