Cheshmeh Ali Spring in Tehran

Upon exiting the eastern gate of Tughrul Tower in Tehran, there lies an older historical site in 22-Bahman Alley, Shahid Avini Ave, Ray wherein life has been going on for thousands of years.

This ancient site is called Cheshmeh-Ali (Ali Spring). In ancient times, the springs was known as “Surini Spring” that was probably a reference to a dynasty in the time of Parthian and Sassanid rule in Iran. It was later renamed to “Ali” after the first Imam of Twelver Shiism. The surrounding of this ancient spring is one of the oldest abodes in the north of Iranian Plateau, dating back to 8000 years ago.

 

Cheshmeh-Ali Spring in Tehran is situated at the foot of a hill and water still streams from its subterranean canals. No more than 50 years ago the spring and its surrounding area was a place for daily wash of the residents of Ray. People would wash their rugs with the spring water and would lay them on the walls to dry. However today the spring is only used as a swimming area for neighborhood kids.

 

There are other historic sites around the spring as well. For instance, a showpiece that welcomes visitors above the spring is a portrayal of Qajar king, Fath-Ali Shah carved in stone. It shows the king seated on his throne surrounded by attendants one of whom is holding a parasol over the king and a bird on his arm. The showpiece is inspired by the stone carvings of Sassanid era. It is a pity though that the faces of the king and the attendants have been distorted over the years by careless visitors.

 

Despite the eastern extension of the hill, it has lost much of its former glory due to construction related activity around it. The ancient fort above the hill, now lies in ruins. The parapets of the edifice remind one of Arg-e Bam in Kerman and slightly resemble the ramparts of Seljuk era.

According to archeologists, the historic remnants (now at display in Iran National Museum) discovered at the site of Cheshmeh-Ali Spring in Tehran date back to the fifth millennium BC and are historically contemporaneous with Tepe Sialk and Ozbaki historic sites.

 

Based on the remains, Ali Spring Complex existed since the prehistoric times and maintained its status in the succeeding ages.

Ali Spring and its surrounding which include remains from the Neolithic Age up to Qajar era, are historically significant. In addition to its historical status, the spring and the park built in front of it are public leisure places for the people of Ray. The sound of their joy and sorrow hits the hill and resonates in the hall of the spring’s memories, it recalls all the sounds, the shrieks at the time of natural disasters, the horrors of Moguls, the rise and downfall of empires, the washing of rugs, the maddening commotion of crowds queuing for a share of water. All that transience fades though at the sight of the old spring.

 

8/31/2023 11:09:33 PM