Modernization of the country has led to a transformational shift in the
structure of Tehran in different courses of time that was based on the
expansion of commercial streets and centers. Starting from Grand Bazaar
as the traditional center for mercantile activities and also the center
for cultural, religious and communal exchanges; this transformation was
formed by creation of new commercial zones within three different
periods:
- First Pahlavi (1925- 1941): in this period commercial extension grew
detached from Grand Bazaar while the inner structure of Bazaar
continued developing. Thus dissemination of commercial extensions
appeared.
- Second Pahlavi (1941- 1979): in this period evolution of commercial
functions occurred in three main phases, which continued after the
revolution of 1979. In the first phase by the beginning of
transformation of Grand Bazaar and its appearance partially changes
following the conjunction of production sectors and older extensions.
In the second phase Pahlavi Street starts acting as the backbone for
commercial and bureaucratic distributions. This development moved
through Pahlavi Street towards north, passed Valiahd (current Valiasr)
Square and continued to Vanak and Tajrish Squares. In the third phase,
after 1979, following the urban growth and the urge for creating new
commercial hubs, the pattern of growth for commercial functions became
denser in a greater scale.
- Post- revolution (1979 – present): in this period commercial
functions expanded in Tehran regarding the major urban structure and
inside the boundaries of this structure based on means of
accessibility and distribution of users’ population; and both
circumstances are almost the same as the previous era (Pourjafar et
al, 2014).
Generally, there has always been a tendency to move towards north
because of the geographical setting of Tehran. Such growth has been
constant up to present day; and although a partial reason has been to
access clean water and fresh air, in the 1960s this spatial south-north
axis took a sociological dimension and impacted the politics of the
country’s class struggle. South of Tehran, including the cemetery of
Rey, continuing towards Grand Bazaar and poor Qajar residential
districts was in contrast with the wealthy north, which included modern
villas and mini markets, enjoying fresh air and clean water. Although
this vertical axis was initiated due to historic and geographic needs,
the following spatial segregation was embodied in this northward urban
expansion during the last two decades pre- revolution (Adams, 1973). As
Griggor (2016) mentioned, by the moving of the ruling monarch to the
northernmost of Tehran, in 1959, historical urban development was
empowered socially and symbolically. Thus, they intensified the impact
of this south-north axis of social promotion.