Marble Throne Veranda

The Marble Throne Veranda (Eyvan-e Takht-e Marmar) is one of the most valuable historical buildings in the Golestan Palace complex in Tehran and an outstanding legacy of Iran's royal architecture. Also known as the Divan-khaneh Veranda and the Dar al-Emareh Veranda, it is the oldest surviving structure in the Golestan Palace complex, and its original construction is attributed to the era of Karim Khan Zand. The Marble Throne Veranda lies in the historic centre of Tehran and holds special historical importance because of its links with the political and ceremonial developments of the Zand, Qajar and Pahlavi periods. On 11 Bahman 1334 (Solar Hijri), it was registered on Iran's National Heritage List under the name "Marble Throne Building" (Emarat-e Takht-e Marmar), with registration number 416. Its location within Golestan Palace, one of the capital's most important historical complexes, gives visitors the chance to learn about part of the history of the Iranian court and the development of royal palace architecture.

The structure and decoration of the Marble Throne Veranda are the result of several stages of construction, restoration and alteration across different historical periods. The original building was created in the Zand era, but under Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, parts of the decoration and architectural elements of buildings in Shiraz were moved to Tehran and installed in this veranda. Further changes were made to the building and its decoration during the reigns of Fath-Ali Shah and Naser al-Din Shah, and the veranda became one of the court's most important ceremonial spaces. The building's most distinctive feature is the Marble Throne, made from pieces of marble using the art of stone carving, and the veranda takes its name from it. With its carved figures, symbolic motifs and calligraphic inscriptions, the throne is an outstanding example of Iran's traditional arts. Throughout the veranda you can also see mirror work, plasterwork, painting, khatam (marquetry), wood carving and stone carving. In the Qajar period, this was the venue for the Nowruz greeting ceremonies and the coronations of kings; the last coronation held here was the accession of Reza Shah in Azar 1304 (Solar Hijri). Together, these features have made the Marble Throne Veranda one of the most important historical and artistic parts of Golestan Palace.

To reach the Marble Throne Veranda, head to the Golestan Palace complex near Arg Square and Panzdah-e Khordad Street in Tehran. Because the attraction lies in the city's central district, using the metro and walking along the routes leading to the complex can be a good option for visitors. Spring and autumn, with their usually milder weather, are good seasons for exploring historic Tehran and visiting Golestan Palace. However, a visit to the veranda depends on the complex's opening hours and entry rules, so it is best to check the details for your day of visit beforehand. As well as seeing the Marble Throne and the veranda's architectural decoration, visitors can explore other parts of Golestan Palace and put together a fuller itinerary on the history of the capital. Following the complex's rules, not touching historical objects and fragile decorations, avoiding littering and respecting the cultural atmosphere of this national heritage site are key principles of responsible tourism at this historical place.