Tajrish is a city in Shemiranat County, Tehran Province, Iran, which has since been absorbed into Tehran. The Tajrish neighbourhood is located along the northern edge of Tehran. This neighbourhood is one of the oldest parts of Tehran and during the last few decades, has become popular with the wealthy by virtue of the low levels of pollution, in turn created by the area's favorable location along Tehran's northern hills. Tajrish is situated in the Shemiranat County. As of 2006, the neighborhood had 86,000 inhabitants.
Etymology
The name Tajrish is given from the Tat language which was the common language of Shemiran area before choosing Tehran as the capital. Middle Persian tigr means "arrow", in the same family as Old Persiantigra- "pointed", Modern Persiantêz "sharp" because of its mountainous topography and also Tajrish river in this region. Tigris in Mesopotamia has a same name and etymology. In the bygone years, due to the influence of the Mongolians' pronunciation, "Tajrish" was called "Tajresht". Then, gradually, the modernized pronunciation of it has become "Tajrish" which is used nowadays.
History
Until the 1920s, Tajrish and neighboring Shemiranat were a collection of small villages along Tehran's border, often used as a summer retreat by city residents. The area was relatively disconnected from Tehran's urban with the exception of Old Shemiran Road, currently known as Shariati Avenue. With the construction of Pahlavi Road in 1930s and Modarres Highway, then known as Shahanshahi Boulevard, the Northern suburbs became highly accessible from downtown and rapid extension became possible.
Modern
Tajrish has an old bazaar and a mausoleum called Imam Zadeh Saleh, both popular tourist spots. Tajrish Square is currently one of the busiest parts of Tehran, with bus terminals, cab terminals, and shopping malls including the popular Tandis Center. The square is where Valiasr Street terminates. Valiasr is the longest and, along with Shariati Avenue, one of the most important streets in Tehran. It is also one of the busiest transportation hubs in Tehran. Many other suburbs are accessible from this square. A major metro station, the northern terminus of line one is located here. Tajrish is the at the junction of streets that lead to Saad Abad Palace, Velenjak, Asad Abad, Zafaraniyeh, Elahieh, and Niavaran as well as many of the other places in northern Tehran.
The traditional bazaar of Tajrish neighborhood will be renovated over 18 months at an estimated cost of about 28 billion rials. The Deputy head of Tehran Beautification Organization for technical affairs, announced that the bazaar is close to Emamzadeh Saleh Mausoleum as well as Velenjak, Darband and Darakeh mountain resorts and its renovation is a top priority for Tehran Beautification Organization. The official noted that the project will include reconstruction of the traditional market using both traditional and modern styles, wastewater collection, power, gas, telecommunication installations, as well as repair of small and large shops and passageways. Tajrish bazaar has been built according to architectural style which closely resembles the traditional bazaar located in downtown Tehran. Some of its arches have been destroyed due to construction of multi-story buildings and its traditional identity has been threatened by irregularity of window shops and external view of new stores. “According to ratification by Tehran Municipality, the bazaar will be organized according to a new plan which will be implemented in cooperation with Tehran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization. ” The official further stated that the project will take 18 solar months and the cost of organizing this economic and trade center in north Tehran has been estimated at about 28 billion rials. Tajrish bazaar includes a roofed passageway through which thousands of people pass en route to paying pilgrimage to Emamzadeh Saleh or to the Bazaar for purchasing goods.
