From Mirza Aghasi's Interest in "Abbas Abad" to the Green Jewel of the
Capital
The Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Complex, which is 560 hectares is known as
the green jewel of the capital. It is nestled between the Modares, Haqqani,
Hemmat, and Shahid Soleimani highways. The following attractions have made
Abbas Abad Hills one of the most visited destinations in Tehran:
- Tabiat Bridge
- Ab-o-Atash Park
- Taleghani Park
- Museum of the Holy Defense
- Behesht Madaran Park
- Mina Dome
- The Book Garden
- The House of Poetry (Nader Ebrahimi Museum)
- The Art Garden
- The Food Garden
- Aqua Park
Notably, the "Tabiat Bridge" was once ranked as the second most popular
tourist destination after the "Golestan Palace" on the international tourism
website "TripAdvisor".
Ongoing projects in the Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Zone include "Dedar
Hotel," "Haqqani Bridge," "Gandhi Passage," "Music Hall," and the second phase
of "Ravagh."
Where Did the Name “Abbas Abad” Come From?
It is said that Mirza Abbas Irvani, widely known as Haj Mirza Aghasi, who
served as prime minister for 13 years following the assassination of
Farahani's deputy during the Qajar era, devoted much of his time to Abbas
Abad. His strong interest in developing the area ultimately led to it being
named in his honor.
Contemporary historians have also written: Abbas Abad was a village with a
fortress, peasant houses, and a manor house that offered ample facilities in
every respect for Mirza Aghasi’s residence and the reception of his guests.
After his death, Mostofi al-Mamalek purchased these lands and added them to
his other properties, namely Yousef Abad and Bahjat Abad.
History of Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Complex
According to historical records 1964, a company named Abbas Abad Hills was
established with an initial capital of one billion tomans. By 1974, plans were
set in motion to construct the largest urban complex on this land. In 1975, a
comprehensive development plan was drafted by an English company, outlining
various uses for the area, including a garden (Shahestan), and administrative,
commercial, and cultural complexes, all designed with metro access. While
construction began in 1978, the project was ultimately left unfinished.
In 1986, when Ayatollah Khamenei was the president, a directive advised Tehran
Municipality to use the land for cultural, political, and green space
projects.
Subsequently, an alternative plan proposed the establishment of administrative
centers within the area. In 1992, Karbaschi, the then-mayor of Tehran,
transferred the land to the president at the time. Ayatollah Hashemi
Rafsanjani redistributed the land to various government departments and
complexes.
However, in 1993, the Leader issued a formal decree mandating that all lands
within this zone be repurposed for cultural use on a national and regional
scale. The objective was to create a complex embodying authentic
Iranian-Islamic culture in the heart of the capital.
Over the years, the Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Zone has achieved notable
success in urban tourism. The efforts of the Cultural and Tourism Zone have
been widely recognized. The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and
Handicrafts recently commended Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, the CEO of the
Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Zone, stating: “Fortunately, the Abbasabad
Cultural and Tourism Zone has performed well in the scientific and
professional fields in recent years, and the efforts it is making are clearly
evident.”
The Abbasabad Cultural and Tourist Area has been successful in urban tourism
for years. The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts also
mentioned this and addressed Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, the CEO of the
Abbasabad Cultural and Tourist Area, saying: "Fortunately, the Abbasabad
Cultural and Tourist Area has performed well in the scientific and
professional fields in recent years, and the efforts made are quite evident.