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Iran inaugurates new "Holy Virgin Mary" metro station in Tehran

For many it is surprising that an Islamic country would dedicate a public place to the mother of Jesus, but it makes sense if you understand the context of the Shiite religion.

Javier García Herrería-October 15, 2025-Reading time: 2 minutes
metro Iran

©Tehran pinture agency

In a few days the Iranian government will officially inaugurate the new metro station "Holy Virgin Mary" (Hazrat Maryam Moghaddas), located on Line 6 of the Tehran Metro. This station, the twenty-fifth on the line, stands out both for its architectural design and its religious and cultural symbolism.

Located near the Sarkis Cathedral of the Armenians, one of the most representative Christian temples of the Iranian capital, the station pays homage to the figure of the Virgin Mary, venerated by both Christians and Shiite Muslims. On its walls, travelers can appreciate artistic murals that reflect the coexistence between the country's religious communities and the importance of the Virgin Mary in the Islamic tradition.

Image of Sarkis Cathedral in one of the murals. ©Tehran pinture agency

In Iran, the State recognizes and guarantees freedom of worship to historical religious minorities, such as Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians, however, Iranian law does not allow evangelization or conversion from Islam to Christianity.

The inauguration of this station highlights the shared devotion to the Virgin Mary, a figure respected in Shiite Islam as the mother of the Prophet Jesus (Isa). It is not unusual to find statues and parks dedicated to the Virgin in different parts of the country, such as the Park of the Holy Mary in northern Tehran.

©Tehran pinture agency

With this new station, the Tehran Metro continues to expand its network and, at the same time, offers a space that reflects a minimal religious and cultural diversity of Iranian society.

©Tehran pinture agency
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