Coffee Under Fire: The Resilience of Café Culture in Tehran During Wartime

Cafés as Anchors in Urban Geography

Within the sprawling landscape of Tehran, cafés serve as fixed points—anchors in a shifting urban environment. During wartime, when movement may be restricted or unpredictable, these familiar locations gain added importance. Knowing that a particular café is open, that it exists as a stable reference point, provides comfort.

People often develop routines around these spaces, integrating them into their daily or weekly patterns. Even if visits become less frequent, the knowledge that the café remains there—unchanged in its essence—offers a sense of continuity. It becomes part of the mental map of the city, a place associated with stability.

The Ethics of Observation and Photography

The presence of photographers, such as Morteza Nikoubazl, introduces another layer to the café environment. Images of taped windows and seated patrons circulate globally, shaping perceptions of life in Tehran during conflict. For those inside these spaces, being observed or documented can evoke mixed feelings.

On one hand, there is a recognition of the importance of visibility—that these moments should be seen and understood beyond the city’s borders. On the other hand, there is a desire for privacy, for the café to remain a protected space. This tension reflects the broader dynamics of wartime representation, where everyday life becomes both subject and symbol.

April 5, 2026 | 10:14 pm