By Afshin Majlesi 

‘Face of Iran’ unveiled at Iranology Foundation

TEHRAN – A new geotourism documentary series named “Face of Iran” was unveiled on Tuesday at the Iranology Foundation in Tehran, with the aim of promoting the country’s cultural and natural heritage as a tourism and economic asset.

Yazd historic mansion under restoration to house new heritage museum

TEHRAN – Work has begun on the construction of the Grand Museum of Yazd, a cultural project planned inside a historic mansion in the UNESCO-listed city of Yazd, officials said on Sunday.

Khuzestan province to host multimedia festival of cultural heritage

TEHRAN – Iran will hold the fourth International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage in Khuzestan province in January 2026, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Monday.

Iran heritage official responds to concerns over orchestra concert at Persepolis

TEHRAN – An Iranian heritage official said on Monday that a permanent, safe venue will be designated for cultural events at Persepolis after a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra at the ancient site sparked concern among cultural heritage advocates and archaeologists.

Archaeologists evacuate Gaza artefacts from storehouse threatened by Israeli strike

TEHRAN – Archaeologists evacuated nearly three decades of finds from a Gaza City building on Wednesday after Israeli authorities warned it would be targeted in an air strike, officials said.

Iranian scholars link Bishapur palace motif to global symbols

TEHRAN – Archaeologists in Iran say a decorative motif known as Gardoun-e Mehr (literary “Mithra Wheel”) or cross-like pattern, carved in plasterwork at an ancient royal palace of Bishapur in Fars province, influenced artistic and architectural designs across the world.

Rural literary tourism route launched in Kandelous, northern Iran

TEHRAN – Iran has inaugurated a rural literary tourism route in the village of Kandelous in northern Mazandaran province, linking local folklore with cultural and ecological tourism, officials said.

Iran pavilion named best booth at China’s Guangzhou tourism fair

TEHRAN – Iran’s pavilion was awarded the title of best booth at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (CITIE 2025) on Saturday, its first participation in the event, organizers said.

Iran, Tunisia to revive tourism cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran and Tunisia have agreed to revive economic and tourism cooperation and are preparing to reconvene a joint economic commission after years of suspension, sources reported following a visit by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Tunis.

Archaeological work begins at Persepolis

TEHRAN – A new phase of archaeological excavations has begun in the core protected zone of Persepolis in southern Iran to determine the exact boundaries of historic remains, the site director said on Saturday.

Iran considers importing tourism vehicles from China

TEHRAN – Iran considers importing tourism vehicles from China and drafting a joint roadmap to strengthen transport infrastructure for the sector, the head of Iran’s Touring and Automobile Club said on Thursday.

Iran tour operators welcome restrictions on unplanned foreign travel

TEHRAN – Iranian tour operators have welcomed new guidelines requiring foreign visitors to travel with visas and licensed guides, saying the move will support the tourism industry and local communities.

Rock carving of Sassanid ‘nobleman’ discovered in southern Iran

TEHRAN - A Sassanid-era rock carving estimated to be more than 1,500 years old has been discovered on the cliffs of Marvdasht in southern Iran’s Fars province, an Iranian historian said on Thursday.

Swedish envoy highlights role of expats, calls for stronger Iran-Sweden cultural ties

TEHRAN  – Sweden’s ambassador to Iran has said the Iranian community in Sweden plays a significant role in introducing Persian culture and identity, as he called for deeper cultural and artistic exchanges between Tehran and Stockholm.

Iran to participate in Guangzhou intl. fair to promote tourism

TEHRAN — Iran will take part in the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (CITIE 2025) in China from Sept. 12 to 14 to showcase its tourism potential internationally, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Archaeologist rejects claim of discovery of Seljuk palace in Kamar-Zarrin passage

TEHRAN—Prominent archaeologist Alireza Jafari-Zand emphasized that there is no sign of a Seljuk palace in Kamar-Zarrin site in Isfahan, and the published news lacks a scientific basis and is propaganda.

Deploying tourism consultants on government priority

TEHRAN—Ministers of cultural heritage and foreign affairs have called formation of a joint committee, deploying tourism consultants, and easing investment as a strategic priority of the government.

Discover ancient Sirvan and its Sassanid-style architecture

TEHRAN – The ancient city of Sirvan in Ilam province, known for its unique architecture, stands as evidence of a rich regional civilization during the Sassanid era and the early Islamic centuries, according to Habibollah Mahmoudian, a specialist in prehistoric archaeology.

Iran to showcase traditional arts at Bangkok diplomatic fair in November

TEHRAN - Iran will present traditional handicrafts and arts at the 70th YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar in Bangkok from Nov. 6 to 9, the country’s cultural office in Thailand has said.

Sistan-Baluchestan: land of flavors, music, and living traditions

TEHRAN - Sistan-Baluchestan is more than just a geographical region on Iran’s map. It is a land of colors, music, flavors, and traditions, where a rich culture and history meet in everyday life.

Iran enters a new level of ties with Armenia, tourism minister says

TEHRAN- Iran has reached a new level of leapfrogging relations with Armenia, said Minister of Cultural Heritage Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri.

Iran pushes for UNESCO recognition of its ancient windmills

TEHRAN – Iran is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for its centuries-old Asbads, traditional vertical-axis windmills primarily located in South Khorasan province, a senior official underlined on Saturday.

Centuries-old coins bearing Prophet Muhammad’s name unveiled in Tehran ceremony

TEHRAN — A collection of 63 historical coins inscribed with the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), ranging from the Abbasid era to the Qajar period, was unveiled for public view on Sunday.

First rural literary tourism route inaugurated in Kandelous

TEHRAN--Director General of Mazandaran Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department Hossein Izadi announced the opening of the country's first rural literary tourism route in Kandelous.

Gigantic carpet depicting scenes of Iranian history to go on show in Birjand

TEHRAN – A gigantic carpet depicting scenes from Iranian history will go on display in Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan province, according to the provincial cultural heritage authority.

Iran-Turkey co-op help boost tourism around Shams Tabrizi mausoleum, expert says

TEHRAN - Joint tourism cooperation between Iran and Turkey could increase the number of visitors to the northwestern Iranian city of Khoy, a local tourism expert said on Thursday.

Managers of Iraq travel agencies visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Bisotun

TEHRAN—A number of managers of Iraqi travel agencies visited the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bisotun and all the attractions and historical monuments of Bisotun complex during September 2-5.

Qom to become a tourism hub within five years, minister says

TEHRAN—Qom province will gain special status in domestic and foreign tourism within five years through expanding the infrastructures, supporting the private sector and continued management stability, said Cultural Heritage Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri.

Tehran eyes more medical tourists from Islamic countries, officials say

TEHRAN — Tehran is on track to become a hub of medical tourism for Islamic countries, the secretary general of the Islamic Countries Health Tourism Development Center said on Thursday.