Building Description: Standing as one of the oldest complexes within Iran, the The Golestan Palace stands as a pinnacle of power and beauty within the region. Currently occupying an area of 11 acres, which was diminished from its original size of 110 acres throughout the years, the building takes the appearance of as not only a palace, but a fortress, that combines styles from both Persian and European architecture, which primarily incorporated stone, marble, wood, glazed tile work, mirror work, and stucco. Additionally, the building is encased within a wall that surrounds the perimeter, which is adorned with various artistic elements, which may hint as symbolic references that are considered meaningful to the country, its history, as well as combing both ancient and modern styles. The wall is also adorned with four cloths of symbolic artworks, that are draped at the entrance, which also illustrates four separate doors for an entrance and exit. While the exact number of floors and rooms within the building is not specified, what is determined is that while they are connected, there are two separate buildings, both having two upper floors with balconies, and a clock tower at the center. Interpretive Reading: The purpose for the creation of the palace was to not only house the royal families that occupied the country, but also as a key aspect of royal events, which also may have included the scene for diplomatic events. Even for this purpose, this building has been the main staple in Iranian history, from its artistic style to its cultural style. This building also reveals the country’s openness towards combining artistic styles from different regions, allowing a mix of diversity and inclusion.
Image 1: Golestan_Palace.jpg: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%AE_%DA%AF%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_6.jpg)