By Afshin Majlesi

Farhangsara-ye Khorasan, a cultural hub rooted in Tehran’s history

TEHRAN – Farhangsara-ye Khorasan, or Khorasan Cultural Center, in southern Tehran is a place where people can take part in cultural activities, enjoy artistic programs and attend educational and social events. But what makes it especially interesting is its location in an area with a rich history.

By Afshin Majlesi

‘Night of Iran’ highlights need for better global understanding of Iranian civilization

TEHRAN - Iran has yet to properly present its rich history and civilization to younger generations and the international community, the cultural heritage minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri underlined at an event titled “Night of Iran,” calling for a more comprehensive and historically grounded account of the country’s cultural, scientific and artistic achievements.

By Afshin Majlesi

Samarkand summit calls for greater investment in children’s well-being

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan - Hundreds of policymakers, international officials and child welfare advocates gathered in the historic Uzbek city of Samarkand on Wednesday for a global summit aimed at making children’s health, education and protection a greater priority for governments.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran and Uzbekistan: Where shared history comes alive in Tashkent

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - As an Iranian journalist visiting Tashkent, I found myself looking at the huge Islamic Civilization Center from two perspectives. I was a visitor discovering the depth of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. I was also an Iranian looking for familiar traces of a civilization that has never respected the borders drawn on today’s maps.

By Afshin Majlesi

North Khorasan, the province I almost missed

TEHRAN - A friend’s suggestion was all it took to set me on the road to North Khorasan, one of the few Iranian provinces I had never visited and, until then, had rarely considered as a travel destination.

Tehran Auto Plaza aims to simplify the journey from car shopping to ownership

TEHRAN – Buying a car can involve more than choosing a model and agreeing on a price. Prospective buyers may need to visit several dealerships, compare technical specifications, arrange financing, verify a used vehicle’s condition and navigate paperwork before completing a transaction. Tehran Auto Plaza is being developed around the idea that much of this journey could happen in one place.

By Afshin Majlesi

Jajarm offers budget-friendly rural escape, but rail links need improvement

JAJARM, North Khorasan Province – With its quiet rural surroundings, historical railway station and proximity to protected natural areas, Jajarm has the potential to attract travelers seeking an affordable alternative to Iran’s busier tourist destinations. But poor railway facilities, limited train tickets and a shortage of visitor services remain major obstacles to turning that potential into a thriving tourism destination.

15 destinations to discover the soul of Iran

TEHRAN - Iran is a country of striking contrasts. In one journey, travelers can move from bustling historic bazaars to quiet desert towns, from ancient archaeological sites to misty Caspian forests and from the mountains of the Zagros to the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.

Afshin Majlesi

Kenargerd Caravanserai gets new life as cultural, tourism complex

TEHRAN – The first phase of restoration and development works at the historic Kenargerd Caravanserai in Hasanabad, Fashapuyeh district, south of Tehran province, was inaugurated on Sunday, marking World Tourism Day.

By Afshin Majlesi

Tehran metro takes on a new role in urban tourism

TEHRAN - Tourism maps have been installed at 24 metro stations in Tehran to help passengers discover historical, cultural and tourism attractions located around the stations, the Tehran Municipality Tourism Headquarters said.