World War II began in 1939 and reached Iran in 1941. During those years, the Ettela’at newspaper covered news and events of the war. After 1936, in Barghan, we had a subscription to the “Ettela’at” newspaper. They would send us a copy every day, although it would reach us with a one-day delay. Next to the place where my father had rented, there was a coffee shop. Those who came from the surrounding villages for buying and selling would spend the night there. In the evening, locals would also come, and the coffee shop would be full of people. I used to read the newspaper to them and share war news.
In September 1941, the Russians occupied the north, and the British occupied the south of Iran. Later, they advanced towards Tehran. Americans and Indians were also present; the Indians were under British command, and they wore British uniforms. India was still a British colony. They occupied Tehran and Karaj as well. The current Keshavarz Boulevard in Tehran was called Elizabeth Boulevard at that time. Before that, it was known as “Ab-e Karaj Boulevard” because the Karaj River used to flow through its center. They also called that “City Boulevard” because it belonged to the municipality.
The entire boulevard was lined with willow trees, and there were desert areas all around. The Americans had set up tents there, and one of their units was stationed in that area. They occupied all the streets around the university. In 1944, when I went for military service, that area was still a desert. We used to go there with our troops for breaks. The trees had grown large and provided pleasant shade. There were tea and hamberger vendors and various other vendors as well. In the vicinity of the boulevard, there was a square called Jalaliyeh Square. This is the same Laleh Park that currently exists, which was dedicated to the permanent army’s parade. On the last day of the Iranian year, March 19th, which coincides with the coup of Reza Shah and the occupation of Tehran, the army would parade there. The Shah would also attend, and people would come to watch.