Rare 1961 Central Map of Tehran by Abbas Sahab—A Landmark in Iranian Cartography

The 1961 Central Map of Tehran, created by Abbas Sahab and published by the Sahab Geographic and Drafting Institute, stands as a landmark achievement in Iranian cartography. This meticulously detailed map captures Tehran at a pivotal moment in its history, just before the sweeping urban transformations of the White Revolution.

It offers a rare glimpse into the city’s evolving landscape, with 218 marked landmarks, including ministries, embassies, hotels, book shops, libraries and cultural institutions, reflecting the cosmopolitan character of Tehran in the early 1960s.

Often referred to as the “Father of Iranian Cartography”, Sahab’s expertise is evident in the map’s fine detail, bilingual presentation in English and Farsi, and its elegant visual elements, such as a vignette of the Sepahsalar Mosque and an ornate border design.

Published in the aftermath of the 1953 coup, it reflects the shifting dynamics of the time, providing insight into the city’s infrastructure and governance before rapid modernization altered its character.

The Sahab Geographic and Drafting Institute

Established in 1935 by Abolghasem Sahab and later expanded by Abbas Sahab, the Sahab Geographic and Drafting Institute was the first private cartographic institution in Iran and the Middle East.

Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in the advancement of Persian cartography, producing over 3,000 titles, including maps, atlases, globes, and educational materials. The institute’s extensive Sahab Library in Tehran houses a collection of 32,000 books and 20,000 maps, cementing its status as a cornerstone of geographic and historical research.