Revival of Cheshmeh-Ali site a national will, deputy minister says

TEHRAN-- Revival of Cheshmeh-Ali site is not just a local demand, but rather a national will of the Iranian people to preserve the historical identity of Rey, southern Tehran, said Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi.

Visit to museums free for teenagers during November 6-7

TEHRAN—Visiting all museums and cultural-historical collections in the country will be free for teenagers and their parents on Thursday and Friday (November 6-7), said Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi.

Visually-impaired individuals granted free entry to museums on White Cane Day

TEHRAN - In a significant move to promote cultural accessibility, the Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage in Iran has announced free admission for blind and visually-impaired individuals to its all museums and historical sites across the country on the occasion of the international White Cane Day.

Endowment Organization, Cultural Heritage Ministry form joint working group

TEHRAN — Mehdi Khamoushi, director of the State Endowment and Charity Affairs Organization, announced the establishment of a joint working group with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. He described the collaboration as a crucial step toward preserving and restoring Iran’s sacred sites and historical monuments.

‘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.

Cultural heritage ministry plans to hold Mehregan Festival

TEHRAN--Mehregan Festival is the second largest celebration of ancient Iran after Nowruz, said Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage Ali Darabai, adding: “We are considering holding this world-recorded celebration on a public scale.”

Long-lasting mulberry tree registered on Natural Heritage List

TEHRAN - Isfahan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department Amir Karamzadeh gave news of the registration of the ancient mulberry tree of Sarasiab village in Badrud, Natanz county, Isfahan province, on Iran’s Natural Heritage List.

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.

Visit to museums free for families with three children, pregnant women

TEHRAN-- Visiting the museums, heritage sites, and historical sites under the Ministry of Cultural Heritage is free for families with three or more children and pregnant women accompanied by one person, the deputy minister of cultural heritage has said.

Cultural heritage bell to be rung in schools

TEHRAN—Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi said that the cultural heritage bell will be rung in schools across Iran as of September 23 of this year so that the new generation can connect with the country's historical identity, Mehr news agency reported.

Tehran to host meeting of UNESCO-affiliated centers

TEHRAN - Iran has officially been selected to host the 2026 annual meeting of UNESCO Category 2 Centers active in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

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.

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.

Iran seeks UNESCO labels for mirrorwork art and Falak-ol-Aflak fortress

TEHRAN – Iran has formally submitted two major cultural heritage dossiers to UNESCO for potential inscription on the World Heritage List: the ancient decorative art of mirrorwork, known as Ayeneh-kari, and the historic Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress along with its surrounding cultural landscape in Lorestan province.

Iran extends historical site visiting hours during Ramadan

TEHRAN - Iran’s Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage, Ali Darabi, has announced adjustments to the upcoming Nowruz festivities, ensuring alignment with the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on March 2. 

Deputy tourism minister visits UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil in Khuzestan

TEHRAN – On Wednesday, Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, visited the UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil, a prehistorical ruined ziggurat in Khuzestan province as part of his official tour of heritage projects in the region.

Iran pursues ICESCO heritage status for ancient port

TEHRAN - The ancient port of Tis, situated in Chabahar county in southeastern Iran, is set to be registered on the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) cultural heritage list.

Iran advances to fourth place globally in intangible cultural heritage rankings

TEHRAN- Iran has risen from seventh to fourth place globally in intangible cultural heritage, the Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage has announced. 

Tehran to host 9th Fajr Intl. Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival

TEHRAN - The 9th Fajr International Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival, widely known as Sarv-E Simin (“Silver Cypress”), is set to take place in Tehran from February 21 to 24, 2025, celebrating Iran’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

Bersian Mosque well qualified for UNESCO status, official suggests

TEHRAN - Ali Darabi, Iran’s deputy minister for cultural heritage, has expressed optimism about the potential of the 11th-century Bersian mosque to earn a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Iran to stage ‘Glory of Ancient Persia’ exhibit at UNESCO-listed Persepolis

TEHRAN – Deputy Tourism Minister Ali Darabi has revealed plans to stage a prestigious exhibit titled ‘“Glory of Ancient Persia’“ at the UNESCO-registered site of Persepolis.

Iran, India seek stronger tourism ties

TEHRAN – Iranian and Indian tourism officials have met to pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in cultural heritage and tourism, marking a new chapter in the long-lasting relations between the two nations.

National initiative for residency revival in historical areas

TEHRAN – Iran’s Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture has approved incentive strategies for easing residency in historical areas.

Indian ambassador honors Iran’s ancient legacy, proposes richer cultural bonds

TEHRAN - In a meeting focused on deepening cultural ties, Indian Ambassador to Iran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, lauded Iran as the world’s oldest civilization and proposed several initiatives to enhance cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Intangible cultural heritage ever-living soul of nations, deputy minister says

TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy tourism minister Ali Darabi has said intangible cultural heritage is the ever-living soul of various cultures worldwide.

Proposal for joint cultural heritage committee between Tehran and Astana

TEHRAN – On Wednesday, Iran’s deputy minister of cultural heritage, during a meeting with the Kazakh ambassador to Iran, proposed the formation of a joint cultural heritage committee between the two countries.

Eight cultural heritage experts honored as eternal figures

TEHRAN – In a Tehran ceremony held on Tuesday, eight cultural heritage professionals were honored for their significant contributions to the field during a ceremony.

Push for cultural heritage education in Iran’s curriculum

TEHRAN – Ali Darabi has advocated for the inclusion of “Cultural Heritage” courses in Iran’s national curriculum, aiming to deepen students’ connection to their heritage.