Tehran’s first airport to be National Museum of Flight
Restoration work on the flight hangar situated in Velayat Park, formerly Qale Morghi Barracks, in southern Tehran has commenced, announced the CEO of Tehran Municipality Cultural Spaces Development Company.
The plan is to transform Tehran’s first airport into a flight museum, according to IRNA.
Mohammad Nazem Razavi told the media that restoration efforts have begun on the flight hangar located in Velayat Park. He highlighted that the collection of flight hangars from the former Qale Morghi Airport is Tehran’s oldest airport. It was decided that they should be transferred to Tehran Municipality.
Razavi continued by stating that historic Qale Morghi Airport was officially opened as Tehran’s first airport in 1922 and has served Iran’s aviation needs for over a century.
Moreover, he mentioned that this airport is situated in the 19th district in southwestern Tehran. After ceasing its flight services, it was decided by order of Iran’s Leader to repurpose this complex under the authority of Tehran Municipality. The decision was aimed at addressing deficiencies in public spaces within southern areas of Tehran, while preserving runways and their functionality during times of crisis.
Razavi pointed out that this important decision led to the establishment of Velayat Park in 2011. Throughout its history, valuable buildings were constructed at this significant airport, some with national heritage value.
He emphasized that among these structures are historical hangars dating back to when the airport was initially established. These hangars hold considerable cultural significance and were registered as one of Iran’s national monuments on December 2, 1996.
Furthermore, Razavi clarified that these flight hangars from Qale Morghi Airport symbolize a hundred years’ worth of aviation history in Iran. Reviving them as a cultural-scientific and recreational site could attract numerous visitors. The architectural design successfully combines past elements with contemporary features using innovative technologies.
Razavi continued by stating that after a century since the airport’s establishment, it has been decided to restore and revitalize these historic hangars, intermediate buildings, and surrounding areas. The plan is to establish the National Museum of Flight, which will serve the people of Tehran and Iran.
In addition to showcasing the history of flight and aviation in Iran and globally, this cultural-scientific complex aims to engage individuals interested in flight-related recreational and sports activities. It seeks to create a platform for talented youth in this field while also providing talent scouting opportunities for Iran’s air force.
Razavi mentioned that in July 2023, the project was entrusted to the Cultural Spaces Development Company. Currently, strategic meetings are being held with restoration experts and cultural heritage professors to determine how best to intervene in this historically significant building. Documentation and emergency protection measures will be implemented as initial steps towards preventing further damage to this monument’s integrity and eliminating any potential risks.