Iran opens the 435-meter Milad Tower, world's fourth-tallest telecommunications tower, that serves as a symbol of the nation's modernization.

Constructed by Iranian engineering companies in the northwest of the capital, Milad Tower was inspired by Iran's Islamic architecture. The complex housing the tower is officially known as the International Communication Center of Tehran.

"Milad Tower will be incorporated in the collective memory of Iranians," said Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.


The tower which has been built keeping in lines with Iran’s Islamic architecture stands on a hill in northwestern Tehran and measures 435 metres (1,427 feet) from the base to the tip of the antenna. The tower took 11 years to complete at an investment of 194 million dollars (142 million euros).

Additionally as an added attraction, the tower hosts a 12-story glass and metal head 60 metres (197 feet) in diametre, which accommodates a rotating restaurant, television and telecommunication area, an art gallery and an open terrace.

The tower finds itself in the same league as other global telecom tower landmarks like the CN Tower in Toronto, Ostankino Tower in Moscow and the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

"The basic policy is to speed up completing unfinished projects," said Qalibaf, who succeeded President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as mayor after losing in Iran's 2005 presidential race.

Qalibaf, whose rivalry with Ahmadinejad is an open secret in Iran, has wasted little time in launching long-overdue projects in the capital.

City council chairman Mehdi Chamran likened the tower to mosque minarets in Islamic architecture which could be spotted from outskirts of towns in older times.

"Hopefully there will be calls to prayer resonating from this height throughout the city," Chamran said.