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TEHRAN, Oct 7, 2008 (AFP) - Iran inaugurated on Tuesday the Milad Tower, the world's fourth-highest telecommunications tower, expected to become a new national symbol looming over the sprawling capital.
Inspired by Iran's Islamic architecture, the tower on a hill in northwestern Tehran measures 435 metres (1,427 feet) from the base to the tip of the antenna. It has taken 11 years to complete at a cost of about 194 million dollars (142 million euros).
The 315-metre (1,033 foot) shaft is topped by 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.
Milad Tower overshadows the CN Tower in Toronto, Ostankino Tower in Moscow and the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.
"Milad Tower will be incorporated in the collective memory of Iranians," said Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf at the ceremony marking the inauguration.
He said lack of funds, technological setbacks and international sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme had delayed its completion.
"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.
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