Tehran
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that leveled the ancient city of Bam last month, Iran is considering moving its capital from Tehran to another city. Like Bam, Tehran is located along a major seismological fault. Bam lost as many as 40,000 people, or more than one-third of its population, in the 6.8 magnitude quake. Tehran has 12 million residents, and engineers estimate that 70 percent of its buildings would be destroyed in a similar tremor. Geophysicists have proposed moving the capital to the central city of Isfahan, which was Persia’s capital before the government moved to Tehran in 1788. The Supreme National Security Council, which is debating the pros and cons of a move, said it would announce its decision in March.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
5 high rating cartoons about Biden's low poll numbersCartoons Artists take on checklists, ice creams, and more
-
A gastronomic tour of the Costa de la LuzThe Week Recommends This Spanish spot has fantastic restaurants "rooted in the region's distinctive produce"
-
Crossword: May 19, 2024The Week's daily crossword
