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.

Gavkhuni wetland comes back to life

Migratory birds have returned to Gavkhuni wetland once again as heavy rainfall has revived the long-dried wetland.

By David Robie

10 reasons why tourists must visit Iran

I stumbled on the scene by chance. Our host family in Iran’s second city Mashhad, a modern and beautiful metropolis that would comfortably fit in New Zealand’s entire population, was taking us on a drive to the outskirts to visit the tomb of the famous poet and chronicler Abul-Qasem Ferdowsi.

Influencers reflect firsthand experience of Iran journey

TEHRAN – A group of Instagram and Twitter influencers from Turkey, Russia, Italy, Ukraine, India and China have been visiting Iran for the past couple of days.

Swiss people know Iran for its ancient civilization: ambassador

TEHRAN - Swiss ambassador to Tehran has said people of his country know Iran for its ancient civilization and the significant role that the country plays in the Middle East.

UNFPA supports Isfahan to become age-friendly city

TEHRAN – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Municipality of Isfahan on Tuesday to support Isfahan for becoming an age-friendly city to better meet the needs of its older residents.

UNESCO-tagged Ali Qapu receives over 375,000 visitors in H1

TEHRAN – The 16th-century Ali Qapu Palace, an element of the UNESCO-registered Imam Square in Isfahan, central Iran, welcomed over 375,000 visitors during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21).

20 attractions you must see in Iran

TEHRAN – Iran has proved to be an amazing destination for cultural travelers who bring only themselves and their desires to become part of the culture they visit, a type of journey that salutes to transformation in way of life.

European bikers on way to Isfahan, Shiraz

TEHRAN – A group of European bikers arrived in Iran late on Saturday to follow their rally itinerary that includes Isfahan and Shiraz in heartland of the ancient country.

Restored creamy tiles to be reinstalled on Iranian architecture masterpiece

TEHRAN – Some two eighths of delicately floral tiles, which for centuries adorned the creamy dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, have been restored and are ready to be reinstalled on the monument that is widely known as a masterpiece of Iranian architecture.

By Afshin Majlesi

Islamic architecture? Sure, but Na’in’s old mosque offers so much more

Well regarded for its hospitable people, handicrafts, and ancient qanats (manmade subterranean aqueducts that brings water from the mountains), Na’in dates back to nearly 2000 years, which makes it one of the oldest continuously settled towns in the Iranian plateau.

Iran waives visa for Chinese tourists

TEHRAN – The Iranian government waived the visa requirement for Chinese nationals willing to visit the country.

Vank Cathedral: A gorgeous fusion of Islamic, Armenian architecture

TEHRAN – The centuries-old Vank Cathedral (locally called Kelisa-ye Vank) is widely referred to as an everlasting masterpiece of architecture.

Hungarian tour operators visit Yazd

TEHRAN – Following their visits to Shiraz, a group of Hungarian tour operators and travel associates toured Yazd, holding talks with local officials and fellows of the central Iranian province, which its historical capital of the same name is a UNESCO World Heritage.

Zarif: Iran to start second phase of limiting nuclear commitments on July 7

TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Iran will start a second phase of diminishing its undertakings under the 2015 nuclear deal, aka Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on July 7.

50 years of photography by Amanollah Tariqi on display at Tehran showcase

TEHRAN – An exhibition opening on Wednesday at Axkhaneh Shahr, Iran’s photo museum in Tehran, will observe 50 years of studio photography by Amanollah Tariqi, the founder of the Hollywood Photography House.

Some 70,000 artisans, craftspeople live in Isfahan province

TEHRAN – Some 70,000 artisans and craftspeople have so far been identified across the central province of Isfahan. 

Abyaneh: Stunning red adobe village

TEHRAN – Picturesquely situated at the foot of Mt Karkas (3899m), the ancient village of Abyaneh is one of top tourism destinations in central Iran. It features crumbling red mud-brick houses with lattice windows and fragile wooden balconies, twisting lanes and hospitable people that still dress in the traditional outfits.