TEHRAN – A new initiative was unveiled on Thursday to coincide with the Week of the Visually Impaired, which will enable visually impaired individuals to visit the Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex. 

The complex is located in northern Tehran, and it comprises several historical palaces and museums.

The new system will allow visually impaired visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the complex in a more inclusive and accessible manner.

During the opening ceremony, Bijan Moqadam, the director of the complex, stated that the new initiative is part of the complex's duty to create suitable conditions and provide physical space for individuals with disabilities. 

He added that they plan to make the facilities of the complex more suitable for those with physical disabilities by the end of this year. 

Moqadam also mentioned that the complex recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Iranian Association of the Visually Impaired to develop more initiatives for the visually impaired community. 

The new system was implemented practically within the museum, resulting in the creation of this initiative, he explained.

“There may be obstacles along the way, but we are confident that we can overcome them through evaluating the system and receiving feedback from users,” he noted. 

“Today's program is just the beginning, and with the help of the Iranian Association of the Visually Impaired, we will complete the work more fully,” he emphasized. 

"To use these facilities, we need to advertise and inform the target community across the country through various channels," he said. 

He also indicated that they may expand the facilities in the future to correspond with the level of visitation to the complex by individuals with disabilities. 

Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex, covering an area of about eleven hectares, is composed of several landmark buildings, museums, and monuments constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries during the Pahlavi and late Qajar eras.

The history of the palace complex stretches back to about 280 years ago when Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty ordered for a summer residence to be built over the then countryside area of the capital. The two-story Ahmad Shahi Pavilion is one of the highlights of the complex.

The main palace of the complex was originally erected for the purpose of royal ceremonies and gatherings. However, it later turned into the resident of the second king of Pahlavi king, Mohammad Reza Shah, and his family.

With an area of 9,000 square meters, the palace is entirely adorned with magnificent plasterwork, mirrorwork, and tilework. Its architecture boasts a blend of pre- and post-Islamic art.

Its beautifully decorated and fully furnished interior features loads of artworks such as precious paintings and sculptures by Iranian and foreign artists.

SAB/