ICOMOS to assess Iran’s cross-country railways for UNESCO tag

TEHRAN – A team of experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is scheduled to visit Iran late September in order to assess Iran’s cross-country railways for a possible UNESCO registration.

By Manijeh Rezapoor 

‘Tazieh can embellish capital all throughout the year’ 

TEHRAN – After the advent of Islam in Iran and the consolidation by the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736) of Shia Islam as the state religion of Iran, the Shia have always tried to keep the tragedy of Ashura alive. 

By Afshin Majlesi

A unique experience in life: Traveling to Iran during Muharram

TEHRAN – A unique time for visiting Iran is during the first ten days of the lunar month of Muharram, which falls from Sept. 1 to 10 this year. That’s because Iranians, who are mostly Shia Muslims, hold special ceremonies during this time. For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a turning point in the history of Islam.

Iran eyes to gain a UNESCO tag for its “Martian Mountains”

TEHRAN – Iran is planning on developing a dossier for its “Martian Mountains”, commonly known as “Miniature Mountains”, for a possible inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Iranian caravansaries being assessed for collective UNESCO tag

TEHRAN – Iran is developing a dossier for a select of its historical caravansaries for a possible inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Two camp parks inaugurated in Qeshm Island

TEHRAN – On Wednesday, two coastal camp parks were opened to the public in Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf.

22% rise in visits to historical, recreational sites in West Azarbaijan

TEHRAN – Visits to historical and recreational sites in West Azarbaijan province rose 22 percent during the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21) compared to the same period a year earlier.

By Afshin Majlesi

It’s time to rid Iran’s millennium-old brick tower of weeds

TEHRAN – It’s quite natural that weeds spread almost everywhere in a mild and humid climate; they grow, whether we like it or not!

More foreign tourists spectate religious rituals while in Yazd

TEHRAN – Over the past couple of years, religious rituals have attracted more foreign travelers as spectators to Iran’s Yazd province, CHTN reported on Saturday.

Explore Indian architectural marvels at Tehran’s Golestan Palace

TEHRAN – A loan exhibit featuring architectural marvels of India is underway at the UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran, which has long been a major destination for foreign travelers.

Major exhibits of tourism, handicrafts underway in Urmia

TEHRAN – Urmia, the capital of West Azarbaijan province, is playing host to major exhibits of tourism and handicrafts from August 17 to 20, CHTN reported.

Foreign visits to Fars province’s historical sites on the rise

TEHRAN – Visits by international travelers to historical sites in Fars province rose 12 percent during the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21) compared to the same period a year earlier.

Foreign arrivals in Yazd jumps 29% in 4 months on year

TEHRAN – The number of foreign travelers visiting Iran’s Yazd province surged 29 percent in the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21) from a year earlier, a provincial tourism official has said.

RCUWM governing board to gather in Tehran in early Dec.

TEHRAN – The 10th meeting of the UNESCO Regional Centre on Urban Water Management (RCUWM)’s governing board is slated to be held in Tehran on December 5, IRNA reported, quoting a water official.

Silk Road a suitable opportunity to introduce ancient Iran

TEHRAN – The possible inscription of the ancient Silk Road on the UNESCO World Heritage list will open up a suitable opportunity for Iran to present its cultural, literary, historical and scientific achievements to the world, the secretary general of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO has said.

UNESCO-tagged Lut Desert draws 5,000 foreign visitors a year

TEHRAN – Over 5,000 foreign sightseers visited the UNESCO-registered Lut Desert in the barren heartland of Iran during the past Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2019).

By Afshin Majlesi

The ancient art of making ships in southern Iran

TEHRAN – Maritime trade, shipping and shipbuilding have long been practiced in Iran. There have been many small or big shipyards across the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf.

Visitors to West Azarbaijan museums almost doubles yr/yr

TEHRAN - With its rich culture and unique natural landscapes, Iran’s West Azarbaijan province is becoming an increasingly popular destination for local and even international travelers.

UNESCO-tagged Bisotun hosting workshop for tour guides

TEHRAN – Iran’s UNESCO-tagged Bisotun is hosting a 5-day professional workshop for tourist guides as the country is trying its best to draw more sightseers.

Japanese expertise to enliven UNESCO-tagged palace in Tehran

TEHRAN - Japanese experts are to make another face of Tehran’s UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace in a special program dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Centuries-old windmills to come to life again

TEHRAN – Restoration work has been commenced on six mudbrick windmills that are still standing tall in Tabas-e Masina, South Khorasan province, eastern Iran.

Over 3,000 Armenians on pilgrimage at St. Thaddeus Monastery

TEHRAN – Over 3,000 Christian worshippers, who are natives of Iran or other countries, are on pilgrimage at St. Thaddeus Monastery, which is located in Iran’s West Azarbaijan province.

Over 300,000 visits to Kermanshah sites recorded

TEHRAN – More than 300,000 travelers visited major historical sites across Kermanshah province during the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21).

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran’s ‘Lilliput’ may be your upcoming travel destination!

TEHRAN – South Khorasan is somewhat known for its ancient windmills, however, tourism authorities of the eastern province are making efforts to put one of its mysterious villages, commonly known as Iran’s ‘Lilliput’, on the tourist map of the region.

Iranian flatbread inseparable from three-course meals in Kuwait

TEHRAN – Iranian flatbread has long been a permanent guest at Kuwaiti tables.

Iran eyes to gain a UNESCO tag for its historical castles, fortresses

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism chief has said the country is developing a dossier for its historical castles and fortresses for a possible inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran travel sector: Ups and downs since U.S. reimposed sanctions

TEHRAN – Last November, the Trump administration reinstated sanctions on Iran, mainly the ones that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, in order to batter Iran’s economy, however, according to official data, they have so far failed to lessen foreign arrivals to the Islamic Republic.

Exhibit to bring together crafters from six provinces

TEHRAN - Tens of crafters and artisans from six provinces will come together to promote skills in a sales exhibit which is to be held in Mahabad, West Azarbaijan province.

Persepolis Museum to close for two weeks for repair work

TEHRAN - Persepolis Museum, which is located in UNESCO-tagged Persepolis, is to close for two weeks for restoration work.

Rare dovetail-joints found in UNESCO-tagged Pasargadae

TEHRAN – Personnel of Pasargadae have recently found two rare dovetail-joints, which used to attach massive stone slabs, pillars and columns in the UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great (559–530 BC), who ordered its construction.