Five-year Iran-Poland study sheds new light on life in Iran before the Medes

TEHRAN - A five-year joint research project by the University of Tehran and the University of Warsaw has shed new light on the lives of communities in central Iran before the rise of the Median state, challenging the long-held view that Iron Age populations in the region were predominantly nomadic pastoralists.

Iran, Italy to cooperate on restoring ancient gateway near Persepolis for site museum

TEHRAN - Cultural heritage authorities are moving ahead with plans to convert the ancient Tall-e Ajori archaeological site near Persepolis into a site museum, following the completion of archaeological excavations and the launch of a restoration project in cooperation with Italian experts.

Ancient Iranian goldsmithing in spotlight as 3,000-year-old earrings worn by actress spark heritage

TEHRAN – A pair of earrings incorporating approximately 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions has sparked international debate over the use of ancient cultural artifacts in contemporary fashion, drawing renewed attention to the sophistication of ancient Iranian jewelry making and raising questions about the ownership, preservation and ethical use of archaeological objects.

Historical mihrab discovered at Pasargadae World Heritage site

TEHRAN - A historical mihrab has been discovered during restoration and conservation work at a caravanserai within the UNESCO-listed Pasargadae archaeological site in southern Iran.

Achaemenid column base, other relics unearthed in UNESCO-listed Hegmataneh

TEHRAN - Iranian archaeologists conducting the 25th season of excavations at the UNESCO-listed ancient site of Hegmataneh in western Iran have uncovered an Achaemenid-era column base, remnants of medieval Islamic water management systems, and architectural remains dating to the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, the excavation director said.

Crowds gather at Persepolis to mark anniversary of Leader’s visit to Fars province

TEHRAN – Large crowds gathered on Friday at the ancient sites of Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam to commemorate the anniversary of a visit by the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to Fars province.

Iran eyes UNESCO status for ancient circular city of Darabgerd

TEHRAN – Authorities in Iran’s Fars province have announced a comprehensive plan to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for the ancient city of Darabgerd, citing its unique historical significance and archaeological potential.

Elamitologist Abdolmajid Arfa’i, decipherer of Cyrus Cylinder, dies at 86

TEHRAN – Professor Abdolmajid Arfa’i, Elamite scholar and prominent researcher of ancient Elamite and Akkadian languages, died on Wednesday, after a period of illness. He was 86.

Shiraz historical fabric plan registered in national archives

TEHRAN - A plan outlining integrated regulations for the protection, management and development of the historical fabric of Shiraz has been officially registered by the National Library and Archives of Iran, authorities said.

Work on Xerxes I tomb at Naqsh-e Rostam nears completion

TEHRAN – Restoration work on the rock-cut tomb of Achaemenid king Xerxes I is nearing completion after years of conservation efforts, a local official has said.

Heritage sites in Fars province to be monitored by drones

TEHRAN – Fars’ cultural heritage department is set to use drones and electronic monitoring systems to oversee nationally and globally registered heritage sites scattered across the southern Iranian province.

Mayamey and its centuries-old Persian caravanserais

TEHRAN--Mayamey in Semnan province, with its collection of historical caravanserais such as Mayamey, Miandasht, and Abbasabad, represents part of Iran’s cultural heritage.

Archaeologist says pomegranate origin traces back to the Iranian plateau

TEHRAN--Pomegranate is not only a plant native to the Iranian plateau, but also a symbol of civilization that has been present in Iranian culture as a symbol of fertility, blessing, and continuity of life, at least since the Iron Age until today, and rituals such as Yalda Night are a direct continuation of this ancient tradition.

Persepolis launches new conservation program using advanced material and imaging technology

TEHRAN – Iranian restoration teams have launched a new conservation program at the UNESCO-designated Persepolis and the nearby Naqsh-e Rostam site using advanced imaging, special material, and stone-analysis technologies, officials said on Saturday.

UNESCO recognition of Cyrus Cylinder highlights Iran’s role in human rights, museum director says

TEHRAN – The recent UNESCO recognition of the Cyrus Cylinder as one of the earliest documents on human rights is a source of national pride and a reaffirmation of Iran’s contribution to universal human values, the director of the National Museum of Iran said on Sunday.

UNESCO recognizes Cyrus Cylinder as one of world’s earliest human rights charters

TEHRAN - UNESCO’s General Conference on Thursday adopted a resolution recognizing the Cyrus Cylinder as one of the world’s earliest declarations promoting cultural diversity and human rights.

Iran, Tajikistan seek UNESCO label for Cyrus Cylinder, famed as world’s first charter of human right

TEHRAN – Iran and Tajikistan have jointly submitted a draft resolution to the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference seeking recognition of the Cyrus Cylinder as a global symbol of early human rights and cultural diversity.

Nahavand ancient fortress to be revived in major restoration effort

TEHRAN – The ancient fortress of Nahavand, also known as the Yazdegerd Citadel, is set to undergo restoration as part of a significant cultural heritage initiative in west-central Iran.

Echoes of the past: Fragment of an Achaemenid relief                      

‘Narrators of Ancient Iran’ on view at National Museum

TEHRAN – A new exhibition titled “Narrators of Ancient Iran: A Selection of Objects from the National Museum” has opened its doors to the public at the vast, prestigious museum, which is located in downtown Tehran.