Ancient watermill in central Iran restored for tourism

TEHRAN – An underground ancient watermill, which is said to be the biggest of its kind in Iran, has been restored by the private sector after decades of abandonment as a new destination for sightseers and history buffs.

EU designates Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. as World Heritage asset

TEHRAN – The Horizon 2020, which is a massive EU research and innovation program, has recently registered the 17th-century Naghsh-e Jahan Square in the city of Isfahan as a World Heritage asset with the goal of making world-firsts more known and lucrative, IRNA reported on Friday.

Chahar Bagh historical school getting back to its heyday

TEHRAN – Restoration of the historical dome of Chahar Bagh Theological School in the city of Isfahan is underway, CHTN reported on Tuesday.

Discover qalamkari, the traditional art of printing 

TEHRAN – Photos depict Iranian craftspeople practicing the traditional art of qalamkari – printing on cotton or silk fabric with a tamarind pen using natural dyes - in a workshop in the city of Isfahan, May 15, 2020. 

Centuries-old polo field discovered in western Iran

TEHRAN – A centuries-old Chogan (polo) filed with stone gates, one of which bearing a dedicatory inscription, has recently been found near a village in Iran’s western Lorestan province, provincial tourism chief has announced.

Isfahan reopens tourist sites as coronavirus restrictions ease

TEHRAN – Tourist attractions and historical sites in the central Isfahan province have been allowed to reopen their doors to the public as coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed in the country. 

Labyrinthine Bazaar of Isfahan may equal an endless charm for you!

TEHRAN - One of Iran’s most historic and fascinating traditional marketplaces, the sprawling covered Bazaar of Isfahan (locally known as Bazaar-e Bozorg) is situated in a city of the same name.

Handicraft exports from Isfahan surge 27%, hit $40 million

TEHRAN - Handicrafts exports from Isfahan province, long been home to talented artisans and craftspeople, reached $40 million during the past Iranian calendar year 1398 (ended March 20), showing 27 percent growth year on year.

Over 70 sites in Isfahan inscribed as national heritage 

TEHRAN – Seventy one historical and natural sites in central province of Isfahan have been inscribed on the national heritage list during the previous Iranian calendar year 1398 (ended March 20), provincial tourism chief has said.

12 ancient sites to go in western Iran

TEHRAN – From the coasts of the Persian Gulf to the lush mountainous forests of the northwest, and from snow-tipped northern cliffs to scorching southern deserts, here is a pick of ancient sites to inspire, delight and motivate if willing to visit wild western Iran.

Child laborers to be provided with anti-corona aid

TEHRAN – The Social Security Organization plans to provide child laborers with packages of antiseptics and educational items in order to help them prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Imam Mosque: A grand, impressive jewel of Isfahan 

TEHRAN – At the southern end of Isfahan’s main square stands the big, grand and impressive Imam Mosque, which is not only impressive because of its sheer size and incredible decorations, but also helps to get a good impression of the needs and challenges of always on-going restoration works.

Travels banned to Iran’s “golden triangle” over virus fears

TEHRAN – Like many other destinations across Iran, its famed “golden triangle” of tourism, which is referred to the cities of Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd, has announced it will host no visiting tourists until further notice in a bid to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Dutch FM visits Isfahan, says ready to deepen tourism ties

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Stef Blok said on Friday that his country is willing to expand economic and tourism relations with Iran, particularly with Isfahan province.

Atashgah: A hillside Zoroastrian fire temple in Isfahan

TEHRAN – Though Iran is a Muslim-majority country, it is home to ancient Zoroastrian sites still retaining otherworldly charm.

Isfahan excavations bring to light relics dating from 4th-millennium BC onwards

TEHRAN – Newly-conducted excavations have yielded a fresh view over the olden days of Isfahan, a well-known historical tourism destination in central Iran.

Iran reports first suspected coronavirus case

TEHRAN – The first person suspected of having the coronavirus in Iran was identified and hospitalized in the city of Isfahan, IRIB reported.

A glance at a lavishly decorated house in central Iran

TEHRAN – Photos depict scenes of the extravagantly decorated Mollabashi (Motamedi) house in Isfahan, central Iran, on January 20, 2020.

Porticos, arches, domes and gardens, key elements of Persian architecture

TEHRAN – Iran has inherited numerous architectural traditions over the course of history. The Elamite, Achaemenian, Hellenistic, and other pre-Islamic and Islamic-era dynasties have left striking stone testaments to their greatness, such as Chogha Zanbil and Persepolis—both of which were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979.

Doc on Isfahan theater history to hit silver screen 

TEHRAN – “Laughter in the Dark”, a documentary about the history of theater in Isfahan, will be screened at Iran’s Art and Experience Cinemas, which are dedicated to screening documentary and art films, on January 1.

Judiciary chief visits UCF nuclear site

TEHRAN – Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi has visited the UCF nuclear site in Isfahan, central Iran, ISNA reported on Friday.

By M.A. Saki

Air pollution and the war of wills 

TEHRAN - With the arrival of cold season air pollution spreads its shadow over cities, especially big ones.

Iranian, Chinese provinces seeking closer tourism ties

TEHRAN – The Iranian province of Isfahan and the Chinese province of Guizhou have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to lay the ground for deepening tourism ties.

Lavishly decorated house to be turned into boutique hotel

TEHRAN – Private landlord of Mollabashi (Motamedi) house in the city of Isfahan is to turn the centuries-old mansion into a boutique hotel, Mehr reported on Saturday.

Iran’s prehistoric Hyrcanian Forest still unknown to many

TEHRAN – Iran’s UNESCO-registered Hyrcanian Forest (also known as Caspian Forest), dating back some 50 million years, is a unique place that is still unknown to many.

Get the most out of a visit to Iran

TEHRAN - It’s nice to visit must-see attractions, as much as you can, while traversing a country. When people start planning their travels to Iran, they mostly think of big cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz or ancient sights such as Persepolis or Jame Mosque of Isfahan.

New train tour launched to Iranian desert

TEHRAN – Iran’s Raja Rail Transportation Company has launched a new weekly train tour to the central Iranian desert and its neighboring historical and natural attractions, Mehr reported.

Indian journalists on fam tour across Iran 

TEHRAN - A delegation of Indian journalists and media personnel has commenced a familiarization tour across Iran with the aim of getting acquainted with its medical tourism potentials, tourist destinations, natural landscapes, local people and their traditions.

Iran’s Bandar Abbas, Sanandaj join UNESCO Creative Cities Network     

TEHRAN – The Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas and Sanandaj have recently been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities by the UN cultural body.