In Tehran, Iran, Shams-ol-Emareh is one of the historical monuments and belongs to the Qajar Era. On the east side of the Golestan Palace, it’s one of the most famous structures. Shams-ol-Emareh or “The Sun Mansion” was built around 1830; its height, decorations, and architecture are noteworthy. With five floors, this mansion is 35 meters tall. When it was built, it was the tallest building in Tehran and the first building to use metal in its construction. The pillars on the upper floors are all made of cast iron. Before Sar Dar Baghe Melli was constructed, Shams-ol-Emareh was the emblem of Tehran. The building has two towers that are similar. There are several arches, intricate tile work, and ornate windows in the exterior views. This building is a synthesis of architecture from Persia and Europe. The fourth of the Qajar Kings, Naser Addin Shah, was the one who ordered the construction of Shams Ol-Emareh in 1903. He was kind of interested in tall buildings with carvings that he had seen there since he had several trips to European countries. He planned, then, to create a palace that was tall and multi-story. It took 2 years to complete the construction of Shams Ol-Emareh and then it was built by Naser Addin Shah. A blend of traditional Iranian and Western architecture is the theme of this house.
The ministers of Qajar used to hold their cabinet meetings in that building. Members of the cabinet will enter or exit a specific door so that the ministers’ door was called. In front of this entrance, the Prime Minister’s carriage, which was just a ministerial vehicle, with its seven guards, always stopped. This is the only door that maintains its facade in the Qajar style. Shams-ol-Emareh is a building on 5 floors that is symmetrically parallel to the outside. The two towers are tall enough to provide a pleasant view of the surroundings on the left and right sides of the house. While the entire structure was influenced by European architecture, it still retains elements of Persian architecture. Some of the characteristics of Persian architecture include the fact that it is symmetrical, it’s tiling, interior architecture, decorations, and the façade. Shams-ol-decorative Emareh’s art includes exquisite mirror work, wonderful sculptures, and wall or ceiling fascia. The clock is said to be the first clock introduced to Iran on the outer side of the building. For over a hundred years, the clock stayed still. After repairs were completed, this silence eventually ended on 12 November 2012. The clock’s bell sounded again. Shams-ol-Emareh went through a period of repairs that ended in 1997 when the repairs and maintenance were completed. The ground floor opened to the public in 1999. Some claim that this structure was the first one in which metal was used in building.
