Nuclear City

Bushehr is a city in south west of Iran with a population of 250,000 people. The city lies along the Persian Gulf. Iran’s civilian nuclear power plant is built in the south east of the city.  

I have been living in this city for 22 years. Any time I travel to other cities across the country, when people learn that I came from Bushehr, they immediately ask about the nuclear power plant and are curious to know more about dynamics of everyday life next to a power plant. 

Bushehr’s nuclear plant is the first civilian nuclear power plant built in the Middle East. The construction of the plant began in 1975 by German companies. Later due to Iran’s Islamic Revolution (1979), and thereafter the Iran-Iraq war, the power plant project was abandoned. 

Eventually in the late 1989 the construction was resumed in a contract with Russia. 

The proximity of the nuclear plant to the city could promise a better prospect for the citizens. Alas, it has not ameliorated the livelihood and welfare of the citizen; quite contrary, it brought up loss of property and land for many residents.

Due to safety and security measures, inhabitants of villages near the power plant have to abandon their birthplace and their homes. These villagers are in quandary between leaving and staying in their houses. As long as the ultimate future of these villages is not determined -whether they will be demolished or not- none of the villagers have the permit to construct or renovate anything in 

A view of the fruit market of Bushehr.
To prepare the armed forces relief for national emergencies, the focus of the maneuver is primarily on radioactive products in nuclear power stations.
After the completion of Religious Studies courses at religious schools, the students attend a Turban Ceremony where they are honored by receiving their turban headbands. In this picture, Ayatollah Safaei Bushehri ties the turbans on the students head.
Young girls practicing taekwondo. In Iran, women engage in many sports but their attire must represent Islamic guidelines, which is to cover most parts of their body and hair.
In Bushehr, singing, playing an instrument, and performing a concert is restricted for women. However, women continue to practice music in their private spaces.
A man playing with his dog at the rooftop of his house. In Iran, walking dogs in public environments is controlled and therefore, some walk their dogs in their own space.
A Bird’s-eye view of Bushehr.
Russian technicians work in the control room of Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Iranian port town of Bushehr, 1200 Kms south of Tehran, on February 25, 2009. Iran’s first nuclear power plant, which was undergoing tests on February 25 after construction was completed by Russia, has been delayed for more than three decades.
Due to limited clothing regulations for Iranian women, they must maintain their Islamic cover in public beaches or while swimming.
Two people walk in an old district in Bushehr.
The army Beit ol-Moqaddas preparing for national emergencies. The focus of this maneuver is primarily on increasing physical strength.
The army Beit ol-Moqaddas preparing for national emergencies. The focus of this maneuver is primarily on increasing physical strength.
​A mourning ceremony for commemorating the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam which is held annually. In Bushehr, Iran when the ceremony reaches its peak at night, it is a custom to lit torches.
An old man stands in front of his electronics shop.
A teacher educating the students.
A Baber shop shaves his face in his own store.
An Iranian woman her mobile phone outside the building housing the reactor of Bushehr nuclear power plant at the Iranian port town of Bushehr, 1200 Kms south of Tehran, Iran’s first nuclear power plant, which was undergoing tests on February 25 after construction was completed by Russia, has been delayed for more than three decades.
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