Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace in Teheran, Iran has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a complex of palaces and related buildings within the ancient citadel of the city, mainly built over the years 1797 to 1925. This was the capital of the Qajar Dynasty, a noble family of Turkish descent who seized the throne after assuming the leadership of the royal bodyguard.

To quote UNESCO:

The lavish Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The walled Palace, one of the oldest groups of buildings in Teheran, became the seat of government of the Qajar family, which came into power in 1779 and made Teheran the capital of the country. Built around a garden featuring pools as well as planted areas, the Palace’s most characteristic features and rich ornaments date from the 19th century. It became a centre of Qajari arts and architecture of which it is an outstanding example and has remained a source of inspiration for Iranian artists and architects to this day. It represents a new style incorporating traditional Persian arts and crafts and elements of 18th century architecture and technology.

The spectacular terrace known as Takht-e Marmar (Marble Throne) was built in 1806 by order of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (r. 1797-1834).

These interiors really show the western influence.

While the exteriors and the garden spaces seem more traditionally Persian.

Spectacular.

And the perfect setting for whispered intrigues.