Arab Neighborhood in Tehran is one of the popular neighborhoods in the capital city, where you can find a variety of delicious and authentic Arab dishes. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with the enticing aroma of various dishes, desserts, and pastries. This neighborhood stands as a testament to the thriving Arab community in Tehran, where traditions and customs are seamlessly interwoven with local Iranian influences. In this article from Eligasht, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Arab Neighborhood, exploring its history, culinary delights, cultural events, and the remarkable experiences that await those who seek an authentic taste of Arab culture in the heart of Tehran.
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Arab Neighborhood in Tehran and the beginning of a fast-paced adventure
Arab Neighborhood in Tehran is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital. If you feel like inviting yourself and your friends to a spicy southern meal for lunch or dinner, it’s better not to bother yourself and enter the kitchen. Instead, quickly change your clothes and head to Arab Neighborhood. It is a neighborhood where falafel, baklava, shawarma, and various types of kebabs are prepared and served by the principles of Arab cuisine.
It is worth mentioning that after arriving in the Arab Neighborhood, the scent of various dishes will undoubtedly confuse and bewilder you. Therefore, our suggestion is to choose your favorite food before entering this neighborhood so that you don’t hesitate and doubt during the purchase.
Access to Arab Neighborhood (Dolatabad) in Tehran
To easily reach the Arab Neighborhood in Tehran, you should first go to District 20 of the municipality and from there continue to the Dolatabad Neighborhood and then to Qods Boulevard. You can use the metro, a taxi, or even your car to get to this neighborhood.
If you choose to use your car, you should first go to Imam Ali Highway or Azadegan Highway and then head south. Continue your route exit at Qods Boulevard and enter Dolatabad Town.
You can also easily access Dolatabad Boulevard or the Arab Neighborhood of Tehran from the Azadegan Highway in the east direction.
If you choose to use the metro, you should take Line 6 of the Tehran Metro, also known as the pink line, and get off at the last station, Dolatabad Metro Station, to reach this neighborhood.
As we mentioned, the Arab Neighborhood in Tehran is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, located in the southeast, with proximity to Rey and Mashhad. Interestingly, the Imam Ali Highway passes directly east of this neighborhood, situated between Azadi Park and the Arab Neighborhood.
The construction and development of the Dolat Abad neighborhood or the Arab Neighborhood date back to the beginning of 1971. This neighborhood is one of the first and initial townships established in Tehran, formed and built by a private company called “Dolat Abad.” One interesting point to note about this township is that from its inception, it was equipped with an advanced sewage system.
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During the Ba’athist rule in Iraq, Iranians who had migrated and settled in that country years ago returned to Iran due to the non-renewal of residency permits and the continued difficulties of living there. Even among these individuals were Iraqis whose way of life and thinking did not align with the Ba’athist regime. After their properties and assets were confiscated, some of them left the country and entered our country along with Iranians. These individuals were referred to as “Mua’awidin” or returnees and expellees by the Ba’athist regime.
In the same vein, over time, Iranian Arabs residing in the southern parts of the country also came to this neighborhood and settled in Dolat Abad. Today, most of the residents in this neighborhood are Arabs, Iranian Arabs, and original Arabs from neighboring countries. Arabic is the predominant language in this neighborhood, and they speak less Persian. Some of the early settlers in this neighborhood did not have a command of the Persian language and could not speak it. Based on this, it can be said that the Arab Neighborhood in the capital has a cohesive and integrated fabric.
Delicious Foods of Tehran’s Arab Neighborhood
Now that we have reviewed the story of the formation of the Arab Neighborhood in Tehran, let’s focus on the main objective of this article, which is to explore the foods in this neighborhood. The Arab neighborhood is now one of the main living areas of Iranian Arabs, where they have fully established their activities and are considered the main owners. Therefore, one of their main activities in this neighborhood is cooking and preparing authentic Arab dishes. Syrian kunafa, shawarma, baklava, samosas, falafel, kibbeh, and other Arab and southern dishes can all be found together in this neighborhood.
It’s interesting to note that even after years have passed, the residents of this neighborhood still cook their dishes in a traditional and old-fashioned way, inviting you to enjoy delicious Arab cuisine on the streets of Dolat Abad Arab Neighborhood.
Arab Food in the Arab Neighborhood of Tehran
As soon as you enter Dolat Abad or the Arab Neighborhood, you step onto Qods Boulevard. At first glance, you’ll see Arab women wearing traditional attire and men dressed in dishdashas, going about their daily activities. The only sound you’ll hear is the Arabic music playing from shops or cars, along with the aroma of spicy Arab dishes infused with spices, momentarily transporting you to Arab countries.
One of the busiest times in this neighborhood is during the evenings when it’s closed off to traffic. It is during these times that you’ll experience a less crowded atmosphere. The fast-paced rhythm of music, the aroma of various foods, and the bustling activity of people in this neighborhood constantly remind you of its lively nature.
On Qods Boulevard, where you find yourself, you can spot the best shops on both sides offering delicious baklava and shawarma. If you’re a fan of samosas and falafel, you can easily find shops that irresistibly emanate the fragrance of fried falafels and crispy samosas by taking a few steps and changing direction.
Therefore, we recommend exploring all the streets and alleys of this neighborhood for an authentic and distinctly Arab culinary experience.
After enjoying a delightful dinner or lunch, make sure to leave some room for a cup of tea accompanied by delicious Arab baklava and halva to complete your satisfaction and become fully satiated.
Business Hours of Shops and Establishments in Dolat Abad Neighborhood
In this neighborhood, the shops are open from noon until around 11 or midnight. However, if customers continue to visit, some shops may stay open until 1 or 2 in the morning. As we mentioned, this neighborhood is lively, making it suitable for nighttime outings as well.
Dolat Abad and the Permanent Festival of Delicious Foods
In this article from Eligasht, we discussed the Arab Neighborhood in Tehran. We explained its history and formation and took a tour of the restaurants and food stores in this neighborhood. If you have traveled to Tehran and wish to try authentic Arab cuisine, we recommend avoiding dishes like pizza samosas and flashees, which are a combination of falafel and sausage, as they may distort the true taste of Arab dishes. Instead, head to Qods Boulevard and the Arab Neighborhood to experience genuine Arab cuisine with its authentic flavors.
FAQ
1- What makes the Arab Neighborhood in Tehran unique?
The Arab Neighborhood stands out for its vibrant atmosphere, where you can experience Arab culture, music, and cuisine. It’s characterized by the presence of Arab residents, traditional clothing, and the aroma of spicy and flavorful Arab dishes.
2- What are some popular dishes available in the Arab Neighborhood?
The Arab Neighborhood offers a variety of delicious Arab dishes. Some popular choices include shawarma, falafel, baklava, kebabs, hummus, and traditional Arabic sweets like halva and kunafa.
3- Are there any cultural events or festivals held in the Arab Neighborhood?
A: Yes, the Arab Neighborhood occasionally hosts cultural events and festivals that showcase Arab traditions, music, dances, and culinary delights. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Arab culture while in Tehran.