The Clock Towers of Iran
Iran's rich cultural heritage is often embodied in its architectural marvels, and among its treasures are the historical clock towers that stand as silent sentinels of bygone eras. From the opulent palaces of Tehran to the serene mosques of Shiraz and Yazd, these clock towers not only mark the passage of time but also tell stories of cultural exchange and technological advancement.
Iran's rich cultural heritage is often embodied in its architectural marvels, and among its treasures are the historical clock towers that stand as silent sentinels of bygone eras. From the opulent palaces of Tehran to the serene mosques of Shiraz and Yazd, these clock towers not only mark the passage of time but also tell stories of cultural exchange and technological advancement.
The oldest standing turret clocks in the country are from Naser al-Din Shah Qajar reign when massive clocks were shipped here as gifts or were imported by the merchants to mount on top of the towers they had built in their mosques or mansions.
Among those were ones installed in the British embassy, Golestan Palace, Sepahsalar mosque and Moshir al-Saltaneh mosque in Tehran, the Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Rey, Moshir mosque and Shahcheragh Shrine in Shiraz, Imam Reza (AS) Shrine in Mashhad and Emad-ol-Doleh mosque in Kermanshah through Qajar dynasty.
Those clock towers not only serve as functional timepieces but also as architectural marvels adorned with intricate tilework and mosaics, each telling a unique story of Iran's cultural heritage.
Here is a selection of ten places with massive tower clocks.
Golestan Palace
Nestled within the majestic confines of Golestan Palace in Tehran stands a testament to diplomatic relations between Iran and England. Gifted by Queen Victoria to Naser al-Din Shah in 1874, the turret clock atop Shams-ol-Emareh once adorned the tallest building in Tehran.
However, attempts to muffle its chimes led to its eventual silence, leaving behind rumors of prophetic owls and historical upheavals.
Moshir-ol-Saltaneh Mosque
Downtown Tehran bears witness to the enduring legacy of German craftsmanship in the form of Moshir al-Saltaneh Mosque's clock tower.
Predating the mosque itself, this antique timepiece has stood as a beacon of temporal awareness for generations of worshippers and passersby alike.
Sepahsalar Mosque
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Tehran's streets, Sepahsalar Mosque stands as a testament to religious devotion and architectural grandeur. Surmounted by two Goldasteh minarets, the mosque's clock tower, adorned with French craft skills, beckons visitors to pause and contemplate the passage of time.
Moshir Mosque
In the heart of Shiraz lies Moshir Mosque, home to one of Iran's oldest public clocks. Mounted above its western portico, the clock's intricate design reflects the fusion of Persian and English influences.
Commissioned by Mirza Abulhasan Moshir al-Molk, this English-made clock not only tells time but also resonates with the echoes of Shiraz's vibrant past.
Jameh Mosque of Yazd
Crafted in the 1940s under the guidance of architect Hoshang Seyhoun, the clock tower of the Jameh Mosque of Yazd stands as a beacon of religious and cultural significance.
With its elegant design and strategic location, this clock tower remains a cherished landmark in the heart of Yazd.
Anzali Port
The Anzali clock tower, which is located on Sepah Street of the port city in northern Iran, dates back to the Qajar era.
In 1930, during the reign of Reza Shah, the first monarch of the Pahlavi dynasty, an order was issued to restore and rebuild the tower.
A German engineer took responsibility for renovating the tower with cement mortar and bricks and placed a clock on top of the tower.
Clock tower in Sari
The Sari clock tower was initially installed in 1931 in the style of Iranian and European architectural elements by German architects.
That large turret clock is equipped with bells, which rang the number of hours at each hour on the hour, and in the silence of the nights, the ringing of midnight could be heard wide.
The height of the clock tower reaches 25 meters and its upper part has a place for the call to prayer.
Vank Cathedral
Inside Vank Cathedral, a centuries-old place of worship in Isfahan, a striking clock tower stands tall above the entrance, capturing the attention of all who enter.
Gifted in 1931 by Mardiros Hordananian, the tower boasts a monumental clock on its second floor, its resounding chimes echoing through the monastery. With four circular clock dials, each meticulously crafted, this tower is a sight to behold.
Markar clock tower
Known as the Ferdowsi clock, Markar's historical turret clock dates back to 1934, making it the oldest clock in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Yazd.
Nestled in Markar Square, this towering structure houses an English-made clock engine, still operational after all these years. Ascending its wooden stairs to wind the engine, one can't help but marvel at the timeless beauty of this historic landmark.
Tabriz Municipality
Commissioned in 1935 by Arfaal-Molk, the Tabriz clock tower stands as a testament to German engineering prowess.
With its imposing presence and four-faced dials, this tower dominates the skyline of Tabriz, resembling a majestic eagle in flight. A symbol of civic pride and architectural excellence, this clock tower remains an integral part of Tabriz's identity.
