Rare Old Street Map of Tehran by Sahab, 1961: Mosques, Tehran University, Embassies, Park-e-Shahr, Major Avenues
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Made in the UK
Restored from the original 1961 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this map
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
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Step into the heart of mid-20th century Iran with the “Central Map of Tehran,” a masterwork created in 1961 by the Sahab...
Continue readingStep into the heart of mid-20th century Iran with the “Central Map of Tehran,” a masterwork created in 1961 by the Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute under the visionary guidance of Abbas Sahab. This map, a rare second edition, offers a window into Tehran at a pivotal moment—poised between tradition and the sweeping changes of the White Revolution. With its original title proudly displayed, the map stands as both a cartographic achievement and a testament to the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan spirit, reflecting a time when Tehran was rapidly modernizing yet deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
What makes this city map particularly compelling is its meticulous depiction of central Tehran’s neighborhoods, framed by the major arteries of Kh. Shahreza, Kh. Simetri, Kh. Shabaz, and Kh. Shoosh. The map is a detailed urban tapestry, capturing the city’s old core as it existed just before a wave of modernization transformed its streets and skyline. Each neighborhood is thoughtfully rendered, providing a rare glimpse into the urban fabric of a city on the cusp of dramatic change, making it an invaluable resource for historians and collectors alike.
The map’s artistry is further elevated by its inclusion of 218 significant locations, each meticulously numbered and referenced. Landmarks such as Tehran University, the city’s renowned embassies, and its cultural institutions are clearly marked, offering insight into the social and political life of the era. The presence of Park-e-Shahr (City Park) and other green spaces highlights the city’s dedication to public life and leisure, while the artistic vignette of the Sepahsalar Mosque pays homage to Tehran’s architectural legacy and its role as a bridge between Iran’s Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties.
Abbas Sahab, often hailed as the “father of Iranian cartography,” infused this map with both technical precision and artistic flair. His Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute, founded in 1935, was at the forefront of Iran’s cartographic evolution, and this map is a testament to his deep knowledge of Tehran’s streets and spirit. The elegant vine motifs that border the map nod to traditional Persian aesthetics, while the modern, streamlined design signals a new era for both the city and the nation.
Beyond its visual appeal, the “Central Map of Tehran” stands as a profound historical document. Created during a period of economic optimism and political tension, it captures the aspirations and anxieties of a society yearning for progress. For collectors, urban historians, and admirers of fine cartography, this map is more than a navigational tool—it is a snapshot of Tehran’s soul at a defining moment, rich with stories of hope, transformation, and enduring beauty.
Streets and roads on this map
- Amir Kabir Ave.
- Bahar Ave.
- Cyrus Ave.
- Eisenhower Ave.
- Ferdowsi Ave.
- Hafez Ave.
- Istanbul Ave.
- Jaleh Ave.
- Khiaban-e-Pahlavi
- Khiaban-e-Shahreza
- Khiaban-e-Shahryar
- Khiaban-e-Simetry
- Khiaban-e-Soraya
- Khiaban-e-Varzesh
- Lalehzar Ave.
- Molavi Ave.
- Naderi Ave.
- Pahlavi Ave.
- Park Ave.
- Roosevelt Ave.
- Saadi Ave.
- Shah Ave.
- Shahbaz Ave.
- Shahpour Ave.
- Shoosh Ave.
- Takht-e Jamshid Ave.
- Tehran Ave.
- Tupkhaneh Sq.
- Villa Ave.
- Zahir-ol-Eslam Ave.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Artistic vignette of the Sepahsalar Mosque
- Tehran University
- Embassies (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Museums (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Governmental buildings and institutions (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Clearly delineated central Tehran neighborhoods within the grid formed by major roads
- Park-e-Shahr (City Park) clearly visible and labeled
Historical and design context
- Created in 1961 by the Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute, under Abbas Sahab, the "father of Iranian cartography"
- Produced during a transformative period in Iran, just before the White Revolution and major urban modernization
- Captures Tehran at a time of economic growth and political tension, reflecting both modernization and aspirations for reform
- Primarily in English with key annotations in Farsi, reflecting Tehran’s cosmopolitan spirit of the early 1960s
- Features a clear, modern graphic style with artistic touches and an elegant vine motif border referencing traditional Persian cartography
- Includes 218 significant locations, each meticulously numbered and referenced
- Serves as a rare historical document capturing Tehran’s urban landscape and societal aspirations immediately prior to major reforms
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Step into the heart of mid-20th century Iran with the “Central Map of Tehran,” a masterwork created in 1961 by the Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute under the visionary guidance of Abbas Sahab. This map, a rare second edition, offers a window into Tehran at a pivotal moment—poised between tradition and the sweeping changes of the White Revolution. With its original title proudly displayed, the map stands as both a cartographic achievement and a testament to the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan spirit, reflecting a time when Tehran was rapidly modernizing yet deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
What makes this city map particularly compelling is its meticulous depiction of central Tehran’s neighborhoods, framed by the major arteries of Kh. Shahreza, Kh. Simetri, Kh. Shabaz, and Kh. Shoosh. The map is a detailed urban tapestry, capturing the city’s old core as it existed just before a wave of modernization transformed its streets and skyline. Each neighborhood is thoughtfully rendered, providing a rare glimpse into the urban fabric of a city on the cusp of dramatic change, making it an invaluable resource for historians and collectors alike.
The map’s artistry is further elevated by its inclusion of 218 significant locations, each meticulously numbered and referenced. Landmarks such as Tehran University, the city’s renowned embassies, and its cultural institutions are clearly marked, offering insight into the social and political life of the era. The presence of Park-e-Shahr (City Park) and other green spaces highlights the city’s dedication to public life and leisure, while the artistic vignette of the Sepahsalar Mosque pays homage to Tehran’s architectural legacy and its role as a bridge between Iran’s Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties.
Abbas Sahab, often hailed as the “father of Iranian cartography,” infused this map with both technical precision and artistic flair. His Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute, founded in 1935, was at the forefront of Iran’s cartographic evolution, and this map is a testament to his deep knowledge of Tehran’s streets and spirit. The elegant vine motifs that border the map nod to traditional Persian aesthetics, while the modern, streamlined design signals a new era for both the city and the nation.
Beyond its visual appeal, the “Central Map of Tehran” stands as a profound historical document. Created during a period of economic optimism and political tension, it captures the aspirations and anxieties of a society yearning for progress. For collectors, urban historians, and admirers of fine cartography, this map is more than a navigational tool—it is a snapshot of Tehran’s soul at a defining moment, rich with stories of hope, transformation, and enduring beauty.
Streets and roads on this map
- Amir Kabir Ave.
- Bahar Ave.
- Cyrus Ave.
- Eisenhower Ave.
- Ferdowsi Ave.
- Hafez Ave.
- Istanbul Ave.
- Jaleh Ave.
- Khiaban-e-Pahlavi
- Khiaban-e-Shahreza
- Khiaban-e-Shahryar
- Khiaban-e-Simetry
- Khiaban-e-Soraya
- Khiaban-e-Varzesh
- Lalehzar Ave.
- Molavi Ave.
- Naderi Ave.
- Pahlavi Ave.
- Park Ave.
- Roosevelt Ave.
- Saadi Ave.
- Shah Ave.
- Shahbaz Ave.
- Shahpour Ave.
- Shoosh Ave.
- Takht-e Jamshid Ave.
- Tehran Ave.
- Tupkhaneh Sq.
- Villa Ave.
- Zahir-ol-Eslam Ave.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Artistic vignette of the Sepahsalar Mosque
- Tehran University
- Embassies (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Museums (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Governmental buildings and institutions (clearly numbered and referenced)
- Clearly delineated central Tehran neighborhoods within the grid formed by major roads
- Park-e-Shahr (City Park) clearly visible and labeled
Historical and design context
- Created in 1961 by the Sahab Geographic Drafting Institute, under Abbas Sahab, the "father of Iranian cartography"
- Produced during a transformative period in Iran, just before the White Revolution and major urban modernization
- Captures Tehran at a time of economic growth and political tension, reflecting both modernization and aspirations for reform
- Primarily in English with key annotations in Farsi, reflecting Tehran’s cosmopolitan spirit of the early 1960s
- Features a clear, modern graphic style with artistic touches and an elegant vine motif border referencing traditional Persian cartography
- Includes 218 significant locations, each meticulously numbered and referenced
- Serves as a rare historical document capturing Tehran’s urban landscape and societal aspirations immediately prior to major reforms
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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