Anniversary of Yazd’s UNESCO designation: a reminder for preserving its rich heritage

TEHRAN - Concurrent with the anniversary of the UNESCO registration of Yazd city on July 9, the deputy governor general of Yazd province called the registration an “exceptional opportunity” for preserving this valuable heritage.

Historic Persian-Georgian documents of Iran’s Afsharid era digitized with British Library support

TEHRAN - A significant cultural heritage preservation initiative has culminated in the digitization and cataloguing of rare Persian and Georgian-Persian historical documents from the Afshar period, preserved at the Korneli Kekelidze National Centre of Manuscripts in Tbilisi, Georgia.

By Afshin Majlesi

Cultural heritage is a voice against hostile narratives, Iran tourism minister says

TEHRAN – In a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, along with his deputies, addressed the ministry’s role in shaping cultural resilience during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.

Iran, Tajikistan should be pioneers in unifying Persian-speaking world

TEHRAN—Iran and Tajikistan, as two wings of Persian culture, should be pioneers in unifying the Persian-speaking world, said Hojjatollah Ayyoubi, head of Tourism Ministry’s Center for International Affairs.

11,000-year-old secret revealed: Boars transported across Zagros for ritual feasts in western Iran

TEHRAN - A study by an international team has revealed that pre-agricultural communities at the Early Neolithic site of Asiab, near Kermanshah in western Iran (~9660–9340 cal BCE), engaged in complex logistical efforts to provision large-scale ritual feasts.

Rab'-e Rashidi: restoration campaign, land acquisition drive launched

Muharram rituals: thousands of pilgrims walk to Imam Reza shrine

TEHRAN – Around 7,000 pilgrims traveled on foot to the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad to commemorate Tasu’a and Ashura, two of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam.

Iran suggests China abolish visa requirements for its tourists in reciprocal move

TEHRAN – Iran has called on the Chinese government to lift visa requirements for Iranian nationals wishing to visit China, in a move aimed at deepening bilateral cultural and tourism ties.

Shush: from global heritage to civilizational capacity

TEHRAN—Shush, which embraces UNESCO-listed Susa in southwestern Iran, is considered one of history’s beating hearts and one of the most ancient human settlements not only for Khuzestan people but also for all Iranians, wrote a Shush lawmaker in Majlis.

Early Islamic metallurgical complex discovered at Masouleh; strengthens revised World Heritage file

TEHRAN - A joint Iranian-Chinese archaeological team has uncovered a significant early Islamic-era settlement and a sponge iron smelting workshop at the Khanbaji Sara site within the Cultural Landscape of Masouleh in northern Iran.

Qazvin’s threefold strategy for tourism highlighted during ministerial visit

TEHRAN - The Governor-General of Qazvin province, Mohammad Nozari, has emphasized a comprehensive three-pronged approach to advancing tourism in the province, encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.

Iran seeks investors to revive 41 heritage sites in 16 provinces

TEHRAN – Iran’s revitalization fund for historical and cultural places has announced the launch of a major public auction aimed at attracting investors to restore, preserve, and make productive use of 41 historical sites located in 16 provinces across the country.

Mashhad airport resumes flights to 12 intl. destinations amid post-conflict recovery

TEHRAN - Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport has resumed flight operations to 12 international and 3 domestic destinations, as the region emerges from a tense 12-day conflict between Iran and the Zionist regime of Israel.

Alamut Castle nears UNESCO World Heritage status, tourism minister says

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced on Tuesday that the historic Alamut Castle is on the verge of possibly being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Tehran hotels shelter 1,100 people affected by war

TEHRAN—Some 13 hotels in Tehran accommodated 1,100 people affected by Israeli attacks, said the hoteliers in a gathering with Tourism Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri in Tehran.

Virtual tours now available for Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex

TEHRAN - In response to the current closure of historical sites in Iran, the Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex has launched a free 360-degree virtual tour, allowing users to explore the historic palace and its museums from anywhere in the world.

Cool escapes from Tehran's summer heat: destinations to visit

TEHRAN - As the summer sun blazes over Tehran, many residents and visitors alike search for refreshing retreats to escape the heat.

War threat should turn into opportunity for tourism infrastructure: official

TEHRAN--Tourism activists should not be passive during the war crisis, Isfahan’s Governor-General Mehdi Jamalinejad has said.

Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Iran on June 30

TEHRAN – Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, will resume flights to Iran on Monday, June 30, after a temporary suspension prompted by regional conflict and security concerns.

Tourism minister hails national resilience, calls for cultural renewal

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has praised the Iranian people for demonstrating unity and maturity during the recent 12-day war with Israel.

Tazieh performance in village added to tourism calendar

TEHRAN—Concurrent with the arrival of Muharram month, a certification has been issued for registration of Ashura-related ritual of Tazieh performance (passion play) of Karizno Village in Torbat-e Jam, Khorasan Razavi province, in Iran’s national tourism calendar under the number 104101071, said the head of Mashhad Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department.

Imam Mosque’s massive dome undergoes restoration

TEHRAN - A new restoration initiative has begun to address possible deterioration in the intricate tilework adorning the grand dome of the 17th-century Imam Mosque of Isfahan, also known as Masjed Jameh Abbasi.

Taleqan dam lake: a gem of tranquility and adventure in Alborz Mountains

TEHRAN – Situated in the heart of the southern foothills of the Alborz Mountains in Alborz province, Taleqan dam lake is one of the most beautiful and underrated tourist attractions in the region.

Isfahan, in the arms of art

TEHRAN--Amidst the noise of the news, Isfahan artists breathe the spirit of hope into society with their beautiful creations, playing a vital role in healing the wounds and creating an atmosphere of empathy and peace, so that the light of hope remains shining in this historical city.

Muharram: a global scene, an Iranian narrative

TEHRAN — With the arrival of Muharram, the Iranian cultural calendar takes on a different color; rituals come to life, traditions are revived, and nations speak to each other in a common language called Ashura, extending beyond geographical boundaries.

Tehran urban tourism forum postponed amid regional tensions

TEHRAN – An international forum on urban tourism, originally set to take place in Tehran on June 24–25, has been officially postponed due to escalating regional tensions following Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this month.

No damage reported to Iran’s museums and historical sites, deputy minister confirms

TEHRAN - Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage has confirmed that no damage has been reported to the country’s museums or historical assets during the recent 12-day war with Israel, which came to a ceasefire early Tuesday.