Amin al-Sultan Garden or Union Garden House and Its Architectural Features

The Amin al-Sultan Garden, commonly known as the Union Garden House, stands as a cherished historical relic from the Qajar era in Tehran, situated on Lalehzar Street at the end of Union Alley. Initially owned by Mirza Ibrahim Khan Amin al-Sultan, the chancellor of Naser al-Din Shah, the estate passed to his heirs following his assassination in 1907 by Abbas Sarraf. In 1916, a portion was sold to Hajj Rahim Union. As the last surviving garden of the once-extensive Lalehzar estates—developed under Naser al-Din Shah to emulate Paris’s Champs-Élysées—this site gained widespread recognition as the filming location for the iconic 1976 TV series Dai Jan Napoleon, directed by Nasser Taghvai, based on Iraj Pezeshkzad’s novel.
The architecture of the Union Garden House masterfully combines Iranian and European influences, epitomizing Qajar-era sophistication. The brick entrance, embellished with intricate arabesque brickwork and semi-circular decorative columns, features elaborately carved arches and frames inscribed with the names of Allah, creating a majestic entryway. The northern section showcases delicate muqarnas (stalactite) designs with four-bowl and pendant motifs, highlighting traditional plaster artistry. The main building, covering about 8,800 square meters, includes ornate plastered halls, a grand central pool, and pavilions with sloped roofs, offering natural light and stone staircases. These elements reflect a fusion of neoclassical and symmetrical Achaemenid styles, reinforcing the building’s unique identity.
The estate’s various sections, such as Hajj Rahim’s and Farrokh Azam’s residences, are linked by underground passages, uncovered during a 2015 restoration. This design made it a versatile space for both living and political assemblies. However, the demolition of parts of the structure in 2014 by the municipality, coupled with its delisting from the national heritage register in 2009, has sparked concerns about its preservation. A three-month restoration prior to the Dai Jan Napoleon filming and its 2015 acquisition by the municipality for cultural purposes signify efforts to safeguard this legacy.
The Union Garden House, with its rich historical narrative and distinctive architecture, serves as a poignant reminder of Lalehzar’s golden age and a testament to the cultural synthesis of the Qajar period. Its association with the beloved series continues to attract history and architecture enthusiasts, underscoring its enduring significance.