The nouveux riches in Iran are engaged in a depressing competition to build the grandest and the most unusual residences with little regards, I feel, for practicalities. One recent fad is to put security spikes on the enclosing walls to deter intruders. Of course there is a “my spikes are bigger than yours” race on, implying “I am richer than you, so I need more deterrence”.
I took this photo of a house around the corner from my father’s. I think it is proof that the spikes are more for show than for security. (Look at the gap above the gates!)
