Iran is an ancient country with a rich culture. The country’s cultural heritage also includes numerous sculptures and monuments, with an important historical event or person associated with each of the sculptures. Traveling around the country we have found the most interesting sculptures and monuments.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: Monument to Abu Reyhan al-Biruni, Tehran

There is an interesting monument depicting the wizard Abu Reyhan al-Biruni in Laleh Park, Tehran. In fact, the wizard was a scientist and thinker of the XI century known for his works in astronomy, geodesy, geography, history, etc. The author of the monument is Mohammad Ali Modadi.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: Simurgh, Tehran

Every Iranian knows the legend of the magic bird Simurgh. The legend tells of a mythical bird that lived on the top of Elbrus. Once Simurgh heard the cry of a child. It was a newborn baby albino named Zal, the future father of the great warrior Rustam. The Simurgh grew up the orphan, and when Zal decided to return to earth, the bird gave him three feathers. Zal could call Simurgh for help burning a feather. Zal burned the first feather when his wife was giving birth to Rustam. Zal was afraid that his wife Rudaba would die during childbirth. Simurgh heard Zal and taught him to do a cesarean section. The mythic bird from the epic “Shahname” Firdausi has its own beautiful sculpture in the city of Nishapur, province of Khorasan – Rezavi.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: Colossal Statue of Shapur

The sculpture of the shah of the Sassanid dynasty is another important historical monument. Moreover, the sculpture is considered one of the most priceless monuments of the Sasanid era. Colossal Statue of Shapur is located in the province of Fars, in the cave of Shapur. The sculpture has protected the entrance to the cave for more than 1700 years.

The monument is carved from a stalagmite, unfortunately, it was badly damaged during the invasion of the Arabs. The legs and hands of the sculpture suffered, but even in this form, the Colossal Statue of Shapur is an important part of the cultural heritage.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: The monument of Nadir Shah, Mashhad

The monument of the ruler Nadir Shah is located in Mashhad town, above his mausoleum. The monument represents a shah on horseback, leading soldiers.

Nadir Shah ruled in the XVIII century, was the founder of the Afsharid dynasty. During his rule, the territory of Iran included the lands of modern Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, part of Dagestan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mashhad became the capital of the huge empire.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: Bronze figures in Yazd

In Yazd, one of the most ancient cities of Iran, every house and every corner can be considered a historical monument. Thus, in the Amir-Chagmag square, in front of the caravanserai, there are bronze figures of men pouring water. The monument is dedicated to water, the most valuable thing in the city. The extraction of water in a desert city has always been a problem. For water extraction in the city, a unique system for extracting water from underground canals was installed. Thanks to the system, Yazd received water from sources that were at great distances. Detailed scheme and process of water extraction is presented in the water museum.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: Darband climber, Tehran

The Darband climber is a symbol of athletes and winter games. The monument was installed at the request of mountaineers in the 1950s in Tehran. The monument was istalled on Darband Square, Tehran, as one of the signs for climbers. The Darbans climber points the way through the Darband region to one of the peaks of Elbrus.

Monuments and sculptures in Iran: The sculpture of a lion, Hamadan

The stone lion in Hamadan, according to legend, was carved for Alexander the Great in memory of his lost friend Hephaestion. According to another version, this is one of the lions guarding the entrance to the cemetery. The entrance gate and the second lion were destroyed in 931 BC. Ancient sculpture of a lion is considered one of the attractions and symbol of Hamadan. Locals believe that the lion protects them from the evil spirit. There is also a popular belief; the locals believe that if an unmarried girl wants to get married as soon as possible, she must pour a lion with a mixture of honey, milk and vinegar. Then she puts a small stone on the spot where mixture is poured and if the stone stays on its place, soon the girl will get marry.