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.

Paris-Isfahan-Samarkand tourist route proposed

TEHRAN – Head of Uzbekistan Center of Islamic Civilizations has proposed stablishing a touristic itinerary, which connects Paris to Isfahan and Samarkand, IRNA reported.

By Afshin Majlesi

Isfahan: Why it’s great to wandering about

TEHRAN – Soaked in a rich history, Isfahan was once a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons. 

Yellowcake consignment transferred to Isfahan’s UFC

TEHRAN – Iran on Wednesday transferred the second yellowcake consignment, weighing 30 tons, from Ardakan, Yazd province, to the uranium conversion facility (UFC) in Isfahan, Mehr reported.

Euphoria in Isfahan as water flows into Zayanderud 

TEHRAN — While water is released into Zayanderud river, central province of Isfahan, the citizens are exhilarated by seeing the river alive again. 

Centuries-old water supply system discovered in Iran

TEHRAN – A team of Iranian archaeologists has found remnants of a centuries-old network, which used to supply water to an underground “city” in central Iran.

Iran holds aerial drill, tests Qassed smart bombs

TEHRAN – Iran held a massive aerial drill in central province of Isfahan on Friday, targeting various positions with domestically made missiles and smart bombs.

One-month event in Isfahan puts spotlight on clean air  

TEHRAN— On the occasion of the Transport Week, starting on December 17, up until Clean Air Day, falling on January 19, various events, including cultural, urban, educational and recreational activities are underway in the city of Isfahan. 

By Afshin Majlesi

Shaking minarets, enigmatic destination worth visiting once!

For centuries Menar Jonban (“shaking minarets”), which is located in Isfahan, central Iran, has been a source of charm for Iranians and even foreign visitors because its dual minarets are really prone to vibrate!

Isfahan attracts 290,000 foreign travelers in H1

TEHRAN – Some 290,000 foreign nationals visited Isfahan province, central Iran, over the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21), a Foreign Ministry’s representative in Isfahan has said.

Isfahan MPs slated to meet Nobakht, Larijani

TEHRAN – Representatives of Isfahan province were scheduled to meet Budget and Planning Organization chief Mohammad Baqer Nobakht and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani later on Tuesday.

IPL: Sepahan, Persepolis share spoils in controversial match

TEHRAN – Sepahan football team and Persepolis drew 1-1 in Iran Professional League (IPL), with both teams in good form and looking to extend unbeaten streaks.

Isfahan hosting intl. industry, tools, equipment expo

TEHRAN - Iranian city of Isfahan is hosting the 13th International Exhibition of Industry, Tools, and Industrial Cleaning Equipment (ISIEF 2018) during December 4-7 at Isfahan International Exhibition Center, IRNA reported.

Isfahan hosting UIC 22nd regional assembly for Middle East

TEHRAN – Aiming for developing cooperation among the member countries, the 22nd International Union of Railways (UIC) regional assembly for Middle East (UIC RAME) kicked off in Iran’s city of Isfahan on Monday, the portal of Iranian Roads and Urban Development ministry reported.

Rouhani lauds CHHTO for full restoration of Ali Qapu

TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani has appreciated the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization for fully restoration of the landmark Ali Qapu Palace.

Luxury rail travelers on excursion across Iran

TEHRAN – Tens of international travelers, boarding a Golden Eagle Luxury Train, have commenced their exploration of many of Iranian remarkable sites and scenic landscapes.

 Tourism chief cuts ribbon on traditional guesthouses in Kashan

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism chief Ali-Asghar Mounesan inaugurated three traditional guesthouses during his visit to the central city of Kashan on Thursday.

Iran seeks to nominate Yazd as UNESCO Creative City

TEHRAN – Iranian National Commission for UNESCO is considering to nominate Yazd as a Creative City of the UN cultural body, IRNA reported on Monday.

Isfahan to run guesthouse for patients with cancer

TEHRAN – A guesthouse will be opened in the city of Isfahan to accommodate health tourists who are suffering from cancer, IRIB reported on Friday.

Isfahan to host national crafts exhibit

TEHRAN – A national sales exhibit of handicrafts will open its door today to the public at the premises of the renowned Chehel Sotoun palace in Isfahan.

Imam Mosque: Elegant, iconic and visually stunning

With its perfect proportions and iconic blue-tiled mosaics, the Imam Mosque forms an elegant, visually stunning historical monument, which stands tall at the southern side of a massive square of the same name; the UNESCO-registered Imam Square of Isfahan in central Iran.

Iran’s largest CNG station put into operation in Isfahan Province

TEHRAN – Iran’s largest compressed natural gas (CNG) station was put into operation in Na’een County in Isfahan Province, Shana reported on Monday.

Partial restoration starts on Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

TEHRAN - The second phase of a restoration project has commenced on creamy dome of the 17th century Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which is one of the architectural masterpieces of Iranian architecture.