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2026-04-19 18:59
Wildlife-friendly Qaleh Bala targets UN Best Tourism Villages recognition
TEHRAN - Perched on the edge of Iran’s vast desert landscapes, Qaleh Bala village has emerged as one of the country’s most compelling candidates for the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” label, an initiative that recognizes rural destinations combining cultural heritage, sustainability, and community-driven development.
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2026-02-14 17:17
Desert village Qaleh Bala moves closer to possible UN label
TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities in Shahroud have finalized a dossier to nominate the village of Qaleh Bala in Semnan province for inscription by the UN Tourism, a local official said on Saturday.
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2026-02-13 17:45
Minister suggests formation of spiritual tourism triangle in Semnan province
TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, on Thursday called for the formation of a spiritual tourism triangle stretching from Shahroud to the capital city of Semnan, during a visit to eastern Semnan province.
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2025-12-14 17:50
Digi and glimpses of culinary heritage in Qaleh Bala village
TEHRAN – A traditional dish known as Digi, prepared using a centuries-old method in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, offers insight into the area’s indigenous culinary culture, reflecting local knowledge, communal practices and social traditions passed down through generations.
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2025-12-10 17:31
Women preserve ‘Tal-o Mahtal’ ritual for rain in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village
TEHRAN – The ancient rain-seeking ritual Tal-o Mahtal, observed in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, is originated as a community response to recurring desert droughts and continues to be practiced today. The ceremony is listed as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.
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2025-11-30 18:52
Qaleh Bala, a village where people celebrate endemic Iranian Ground-Jay
TEHRAN - For 14 years, the remote eco-friendly village of Qaleh Bala has welcomed wildlife enthusiasts to its unique “Journey to the Habitat of the Iranian Ground-Jay” festival — an annual event where residents and visitors come together to honor and protect one of Iran’s rarest native birds.
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2025-11-16 17:32
Bastam added to Iran’s list of historical cities
TEHRAN - Bastam, a tourism destination near Shahroud, has recently been added to Iran’s list of historical cities during the second conference of Iran’s historical cities held in Yazd.
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2025-08-18 17:23
Echoes of the Past: Stucco plaque of Sasanian lady
The pictured Sassanid-era stucco plaque set within a central square depicts the bust of a smiling woman—likely a Sasanian princess, suggested by her ornate adornments. Unearthed at Tepe Hessar in Damghan, modern-day Semnan province, it dates to the late 6th or early 7th century CE.