Tehran's Holy Defense Museum is a 21-hectare complex focused on the Iran-Iraq War of 1980 to 1988 -- the conflict known in Iran as the "Holy Defense."
Holy Defense Museum —
Tehran's Holy Defense Museum is a 21-hectare complex focused on the Iran-Iraq War of 1980 to 1988 -- the conflict known in Iran as the "Holy Defense."
Amir Daftari/CNN
An estimated one million people lost their lives during the war between Iran and Iraq. In this photo taken on the Iran-Iraq border in 2007, Iranians walk past a destroyed tank on their way to pay respects at a memorial site.
The cost of war —
An estimated one million people lost their lives during the war between Iran and Iraq. In this photo taken on the Iran-Iraq border in 2007, Iranians walk past a destroyed tank on their way to pay respects at a memorial site.
Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Although there are plenty of tanks and weapons on display -- including these Russian-designed rocket launchers -- the museum is more than a showcase of Iranian military history. CNN's Amir Daftari says its approach to its tragic subject matter is imaginative, innovative and sensitive.
Russian-designed rocket launchers —
Although there are plenty of tanks and weapons on display -- including these Russian-designed rocket launchers -- the museum is more than a showcase of Iranian military history. CNN's Amir Daftari says its approach to its tragic subject matter is imaginative, innovative and sensitive.
Amir Daftari/CNN
Visitors travel through a timeline of Iranian history from 1979 -- the year of the Iranian Revolution -- through to the present day.
Tragic history —
Visitors travel through a timeline of Iranian history from 1979 -- the year of the Iranian Revolution -- through to the present day.
Amir Daftari/CNN
This memorial wall features portraits of those killed during the eight-year conflict.
Memorial portraits —
This memorial wall features portraits of those killed during the eight-year conflict.
Amir Daftari/CNN
The "Hall of Butterflies" is the incongruous name given to a memorial to fallen soldiers that greets visitors on arrival.
Hall of Bufferflies —
The "Hall of Butterflies" is the incongruous name given to a memorial to fallen soldiers that greets visitors on arrival.
Amir Daftari/CNN
It's filled with display boxes resembling caskets, showcasing personal effects and intimate objects -- like these chains and bracelets -- found on the dead.
Intimate remains —
It's filled with display boxes resembling caskets, showcasing personal effects and intimate objects -- like these chains and bracelets -- found on the dead.
Amir Daftari/CNN
One corridor in the museum is decorated with land mines painted white -- intended to represent the indiscriminate nature of such a weapon.
Land mines —
One corridor in the museum is decorated with land mines painted white -- intended to represent the indiscriminate nature of such a weapon.
Amir Daftari/CNN
Pontoon bridges were used by Iran during Operation Dawn 8 in 1986. The Iranians were able to capture the Faw Peninsula, cutting off Iraqi access to the Persian Gulf.
Pontoon bridge —
Pontoon bridges were used by Iran during Operation Dawn 8 in 1986. The Iranians were able to capture the Faw Peninsula, cutting off Iraqi access to the Persian Gulf.
Amir Daftari/CNN
One of the standout exhibits is the re-creation of Khorramshahr. This strategic port city in western Iran was the location of the first major battle in the war with Iraq. <br />
Khorramshahr —
One of the standout exhibits is the re-creation of Khorramshahr. This strategic port city in western Iran was the location of the first major battle in the war with Iraq.
Amir Daftari/CNN