Tehran-Semnan rally to promote ecotourism, camping

TEHRAN – The newly-established Camping and Caravanning Club of Iran is scheduled to hold a car rally with an itinerary studded with a variety of tourist spots across Tehran and Semnan provinces.

Historical structure of Semnan being restored

TEHRAN – The historical structure of the north-central city of Semnan, which includes monuments from the Ilkhanid period (1256–1353) to the Qajar era (1789–1925) is being restored, a provincial tourism chief has said.

Archaeologists to save relics before Iron Age cemetery submerged in dam waters

TEHRAN – A team of archaeologists, cultural heritage experts, and diggers plan to recover ancient human remains and relics from an Iron Age cemetery in Mersin, Semnan province, before the cemetery is disappeared under the waters of a nearby dam.

Wooden pulpit of Ilkhanid mosque being restored

TEHRAN - A restoration project has been commenced on a minbar (pulpit) of a mosque in Semnan province, which dates back to the Ilkhanid era (1256–1353).

By  Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

Muharram mourning rituals: Nakhlgardani in Shahroud

Nakhlgardani or palm-carrying ritual is the carrying of a huge wooden coffin and is a symbol of Muharram mourning in Iran. In the first decade of this month, the coffin, while covered with black and green cloth, is carried by numerous mourners due to its heavyweight. This structure is kept in Husseiniyehs (religious places) and mosques for the rest of the year.

Historical structure of Mayamey restored

TEHRAN – The historical structure of the city of Mayamey in north-central Semnan province has been restored, a local tourism official has announced.

By Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

Candle and Lamp Ceremony in Shahroud Tekiyehs during Muharram

Tekiyehs (prayer halls) of Bazaar, Golshan, Qaleh, Shariat, and especially Tekiyeh of Bid Abad, which is one of the old Tekiyehs of Shahroud, hold this traditional ceremony with special ceremonies. In this ritual, which begins minutes after sunset, the servants of these Tekiyehs, known as "watchmen", stand in a row in front of the Saqqakhaneh (A small indent in the wall overlooking some passages where water was poured for people to drink and had a kind of religious sanctity), which is called the lampstand. It is also common to play the trumpet to inform local servants during candle and lamp ceremonies. The custodian of the mosque and the elders also stand in front of the lighthouse, and the servants, who are on duty, line up in front of them.

Safavid-era caravanserai in Semnan being restored

TEHRAN – A team of cultural heritage experts and restorers has commenced work on a Safavid-era (1501-1736) caravanserai, which is located in Lasjerd, north-central Semnan province.

Eco-lodges trigger reverse migration in Semnan

TEHRAN- The growth in the number of eco-lodge units has triggered reverse migration in the north-central Semnan province, ISNA reported.

Shah-Abbasi caravanserai in Semnan undergoes restoration

TEHRAN – A new round of restoration projects has recently been commenced on the Safavid era (1501 to 1736) Shah-Abbasi caravanserai in the city of Mayamey, north-central Semnan province.

Ruins of ancient ramparts, fortifications vandalized in north-central Iran

TEHRAN – Local vandals have severely damaged parts of the ruined ramparts and fortifications that centuries ago protected the ancient town of Damghan, now situated in north-central Iran.

Some $170,000 spent to restore Semnan historic bazaar

TEHRAN – A budget of seven billion rials (some $170,000) has spent on the restoration of the historic bazaar of Semnan in north-central Iran over the past six years, a provincial tourism chief has said.

Semnan province to increase eco-lodge units

TEHRAN – The Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department General of Semnan plans to increase the number of eco-lodge units across the province in the near future, CHTN reported.

Historical structure of Mayamey under restoration, landscaping 

TEHRAN – A new round of restoration and landscaping has begun on the historical structure of the city of Mayamey, north-central Semnan province, CHTN reported.

Qajar-era mansion in Semnan to turn into museum 

TEHRAN – Qajar-era Danai mansion in north-central Semnan province will be turned into a museum, a Semnan municipality official has said. 

Foreign arrivals in Semnan province up 22% since March

TEHRAN – International tourist arrivals in Iran’s north-central Semnan province rose 22 percent since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21), provincial tourism chief has said.

Semnan next stop for exhibit featuring history of ties between UN, Iran 

TEHRAN – Semnan will be the next Iranian city, which is scheduled to host the exhibition of photos and documents featuring major events occurring over 73 years of relations between Iran and the United Nations.

Visit ‘Owpart’ where jungle borders desert in Iran

TEHRAN – Amongst wanders of the nature is sudden climate change when you pass Iran’s northern Mazandaran province for Semnan in its south. Here the Owpart region acts like an elevated natural barrier, dividing lush jungles from the harsh, sun-scorched desert lands.

Conference to discuss tourism growth in eastern Iran

TEHRAN – Six eastern Iranian provinces are scheduled to discuss ways to expand tourism in a conference which will be held in the city of Mashhad on October 10, CHTN reported.

1.4 tons of drugs seized in Semnan, Alborz and Tehran provinces

TEHRAN – A provincial police commander has announced that 1,440 kg of drugs were seized in a joint police operation in the provinces of Semnan, Alborz and Tehran, IRNA reported.

285kg of opium seized in Iran’s Semnan province

TEHRAN – The police have confiscated 285kg of opium in  central province of Semnan, a provincial police chief has announced.

New tourism route to link inland desert with Caspian Sea

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism body is considering to create a new tourism route, which will connect an inland desert to the Caspian coasts, CHTN reported on Sunday.

Iran’s first geriatrics clinic to be inaugurated 

TEHRAN— The first geriatrics specialty clinic in Iran will be inaugurated by the end of the current Iranian calendar month (Feb. 19) in Semnan province, Semnan University of Medical Sciences chancellor has said.

Semnan hosting crafts exhibit

TEHRAN – Crafters from 10 provinces are taking part in a national handicrafts sales exhibit which is being held in the city of Semnan.

Iranian herdsman builds “underground city” to attract travelers

TEHRAN – An Iranian herdsman has completed carving an “underground city” with the hope of turning it into a tourist hub in the central Semnan province, Mehr reported on Monday.