Freedom Monument in Tehran: architect's daughter shares her story
- June 17, 2009 2:27 PM |
- By Your Voice
Submitted by Sarvenaz Amanat
About/Bio: I am the daughter of Hossein Amanat, the architect of the Freedom Monument in Tehran.
My take: As I sit here watching all the news about the protests and situation in Iran, I feel compelled to tell the story of my family.
My father, Hossein Amanat, the architect of the Freedom Monument in Tehran, has been a Vancouver resident for the past 30 years.
As a young graduate, he won a nationwide competition for its design, and since that time, the Freedom Monument has become a symbol of modern Iran. It is also the venue for the protests and demonstrations that are currently taking place.
Freedom Monument
Thirty years ago, my parents fled Iran when the Shah was overthrown by the very regime that is being opposed by the Iranian people today. Since he was not Muslim and had designed this monument for the Shah, my father was blacklisted by the Islamic regime. As a child here in Vancouver, I remember my family glued to the television watching the protests and Ayatollah Khomeini. Now, all these years later, I see my son witnessing something eerily familiar.
Over the past few days, I've seen countless images of the Freedom Monument on the news. I thought it may interest CBC readers to know that the architect of such an important symbol lives right here in Vancouver.
My family feels very proud of the people standing up for freedom and justice in Iran and of those who are at the forefront of this movement, risking their lives for these ideals. It is our hope and prayer that there will be no more tragic losses and the Iranian people will peacefully achieve their goals.
The Freedom Monument, also known as the Shahyad or Azadi Monument, was designed in 1966 when my father was a 24 year-old graduate. It was completed in 1971. The structure has had little maintenance done to it over the past 30 years, but seems to have stood the test of time. More importantly, the symbolism of this monument refers to all the eras of Iranian history, including the pre-Islamic glories of the Persian Empire, which all Iranians, regardless of creed or religion, are proud of.
My father is thrilled that the Azadi Monument has found its place in the hearts of the people as a symbol of their national identity. He always believed in a glorious future for Iran and is humbled that this monument has witnessed major events in the past and continues to do so. It is moving for all of us to see the crowds rally around it during these momentous times.
After leaving Iran because of the persecution of the Baha'is, he continued his practice working on international projects, first in London, England and then in Vancouver. These projects include buildings in Israel, China, Samoa, and the United States. In Vancouver, he has recently completed two thirty storey condominium towers, and
other projects as well. He is not retired.
He would love to return to visit Iran one day, when the conditions allow. The beauty and wealth of Iranian architecture have always been a source of inspiration for not only my father, but for many architects such as Arthur Erickson. To go back to this source is his dream.
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Comments (17)
Such a good article! It goes to show that Iran is not some homogenous society and that its heritage and political leanings are more complex than its Islamic regime suggests. Also, a neat perspective on Canadian connection - there's a big Iranian diaspora in Vancouver, not what one would expect.
- Note on the history: the Shah regime had its serious problems and the terrible human rights abuses by secret police are well documented. But, it wasn't a theocracy, at least. The Bahai's, the Christians, the secular people, all of those were free to exist without being in some way disadvantaged. The Islamic character of today's republic means it's always an advantage to be a Muslim; all others are sort of second-class citizens and find their careers limited. Kind of like not belonging to a Communist party cadre in E.Europe in the 70s or 80s.
Some change should be forthcoming to Iran, to relax the asburd state of things.
Dear Sarvenaz: I was thrilled reading your article. Please send my loving regards to your dad.
Your dad and I along with a group of Tehran students came to the U.S. in 1963 to participate in "experiment in international living" and stayed with American host families. He is a talented architect and our community has special respect for him.
Thank you,
Bahiyyih
It is particularly in situations of strife and dissension where the most vivid contrast of ideals conveyed by symbols such as the Freedom Monument are manifested in peoples' hearts and minds. It is the vision of those such as Hossein Amanat who link the past, present and future with such beautiful symbolism to capture our imaginations not only to remind us of humanities past glories but instil in us the hope that we are and have always been progressive by nature.
It is my hope that this beautiful piece of architecture will stand solidly for centuries to come as a reminder of the peoples' glorious courage in the face of the adversities they have faced.
Thank you for sharing your story, it's a very special one indeed.
It's ironic that this wonderful monument was designed by a Baha'i. Sadly Baha'is are a most hated and persecuted religion in Iran, nowadays. My mother who was also a Baha'i had to escape Iran in 1980. She has since passed away, but was always hopeful that one day, Iran would go back to its pre-islamic glories. We can only hope that recent events are a small step in that direction.
I am proud to be a Bahai, I first heard Azadi Square mentioned on CNN. I did not know athe History. As we speak there are prayers here for all the Persians. Also to the x7 Bahais currently in jail on false charges. For every Bahai they murder - millions more will arrise in the name of Bah u llah. It only takes one person to change the world - dictators never survive.
Yah Baha u llah Abha
Yours with Aroha/Love Suzie Harris
It’s a true testament to the talent and vision of Mr. Amanat and the strength of the Baha'i faith to withstand the test time amongst the turmoil in Iran.
If the nation of Iran invests in truth and follows what is now ordained by God, its legacy will also stand the test of time.
Anytime we work in the path of truth we receive gifts and virtues that can not be attained by material means.
Thank you Sarvenaz for sharing your thoughts with us.
Sincerely,
David
I have seen the structure in person over 14 years ago, and have entered and in fact climbed to the top floor. The author is right - very little maintence was ever done to it upto that point, but the structure in it's own way is beautiful and despite vandalism (state sanctioned graffiti), has stood the test of time in strength and beauty.
The structure has been known as the Freedom Monument after the revoloution, but was in fact built I belive to celebrate 2500 years of Iranian Monarchy - it is a symbol of that, even the interior, which was a museum, is designed to evoke images of the monarchy.
I believe after the revolution there was discussion about tearing it down, but it has been successfully rebranded for the times.
I am not a monarchist by all means, the the Shah is gone for good (good riddance), but this structure is part of Iranian history, and should reflect that. I hope with a new democracy in Iran, it will be a celebrated part of Iran's history of a former monarchy.
Thank you very much for your heart-felt story. I reminds me again of the humanity of all cultures. Persia has an incredible history. The Freedom Monument is so beautiful. And the people of Iran so brave. It bring me to tears.
the monument is outstandingly beautiful and has a force of its own; thank you for your lovely article. We are Baha'is in Pasadena.
Very good article!
As Baha'is we are extremely proud of my dear friend Hossein and constantly think of what the Islamic Republic has missed by rejecting thousands of geniouses like Mr. Amanat.Iran wouldn't be in such horrible condition if they had welcomed millions of talented people to build the country. We all hope and pray for better future for Iran.
Keivan Towfigh
Thank you dear Sarvenaz for sharing the history of Azadi Square ( Freedom Monument), it's just incredible that a young talented architect ( only 24 years-old!)has left such a magnificent gift for Iran and Iranian, for sure there is a mistic significate behaind it, wich the time will tell us!!
God bless you and your dear family, A'zam
Thanks for this beautiful testimony; we are all proud of this monument.
It's story should be put in parallel with the story of the people of Iran … what an analogy!
A bahá’í architect building THE symbol of a city, of a country and now, of a deep genuine aspiration: AZADI – liberty.
I as one of Iranian architects am always proud of Mr. Hossein Amanat.
This was a wonderful article. I think it shows how the contributions of the Bahai's are intertwined with the past and future of Iran.
I hope and pray that the light of justice will shine down on this country so it can at last embrace the human rights of all of its people and everyone who is a part of this country can truly celebrate freedom.
Despite its geometrically inclusive complex forms, the Shahyad monument conveys beauty by its totally pure simplicity. This building was the last building I had to visit before I left Iran in 1977 to come to the US to study Architecture.
This monument is a timeless structure that synthesizes a number of conceptually historical masterpiece references such as Taghe bostan,Taghe Nosrat, Vakil Mosque, Sheikh lotf allah Mosque. Mr. Amanat's works are certainly praiseworthy for many generations to follow.
Thank You My dear for the heartfelt of your true events.
Those, with sincere heart understand what is happining in Iran. Those buidings will stand to tell the true story.....No one can take that away....God is our witness......
with true understanding...and with prayers...
Lakshmi