Tehran opens Saint Mary subway station, countering Western stereotypes

Social media users have warmly reacted to the news of the inauguration of the Saint Mary subway station in Iran’s capital, Tehran, describing it as a positive counter to the negative portrayal of the country in Western mainstream media.

News ID: 2002038

In a post on X on Sunday, award-winning journalist Hala Jaber said the move symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of religious minorities in Iran.

Jaber said the opening reflects the constitutional protection and representation of Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians in Iran, with dedicated parliamentary seats for each community.

The presence of Christian murals in the metro station serves as a powerful message of tolerance and coexistence, demonstrating Tehran's commitment to peaceful living even in underground spaces, she added.

ehran has officially opened its new “Saint Mary” metro station, which proudly displays Christian murals near the St. Sarkis Armenian Cathedral, catering to Iran’s significant Armenian Christian population of 100,000.

Other foreign online activists have also lauded the move, citing it as a demonstration of Iranians' respect for Armenians and followers of other faiths.

They also emphasized that naming a metro station after Saint Mary contradicts the fear-based portrayal of Iranian society and governance often depicted in Western outlets.

Commentators believe the Western mainstream narratives about Iran's treatment of religious minorities are often politically motivated and aimed at advancing anti-Iranian agendas.

The Saint Sarkis Cathedral, an iconic landmark in downtown Tehran, stands as a testament to the rich heritage of the Armenian community in Iran, serving as an Armenian Apostolic church named after Saint Sarkis the Warrior and constructed in the early 1970s./isna