Similarities in Hyderabad and Iranian architecture

5-day Iranian Cultural Exhibition from Isfahan Province at Salar Jung Museum

Hyderabad: Chandana Khan, special chief secretary (Tourism), Andhra Pradesh, said Hyderabad and Iran had very strong ties that date back to hundreds of years. She was speaking at the inauguration of Iranian Cultural Exhibition from Isfahan Province at Salar Jung Museum here on Saturday. The exhibition is being organised by the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad.

Pointing to the contribution of Iranians, the special secretary said, “The foundation of Hyderabad was laid by Iranian architects. Hyderabad is proud of Irani chai and the 40,000 Iranians living in the city.” The Badshahi Ashurkhana and Paigah tombs had a lot of similarities with monuments in Iran. “One can build malls but replicating Paigah Tombs is unimaginable. The government is restoring the monuments,” she said.

Similarities between Isfahan and Hyderabad

Hassan Nourian, Consul General, said the five-day exhibition was being held to bring both the countries together as Isfahan and Hyderabad had a lot of similarities.

It is a historic occasion as it is the 35th anniversary of the victory of Islamic revolution in Iran. Speaking about the close links with Hyderabad, he said, “Isfahan is the cultural capital of Iran and has 120 handicrafts. The architecture of Hyderabad has also a lot of similarities with Iran. India and Iran are looking forward to furthering the trade relations.”

Calligrapher Hassanpour and Cartoonist Mohammed Ali Rajah from Iran have come for the five-day exhibition, which will end on February 5.