Qasr-e Shirin needs decades of archaeological work, heritage official says

TEHRAN - Iran’s western county of Qasr-e Shirin requires up to a century of archaeological research due to the number of historical sites dating back to the Sassanid period, a senior provincial heritage official said on Tuesday.

Siraf historic port dossier submitted to UNESCO for World Heritage review

TEHRAN - Iran has formally submitted the nomination dossier for the historic port of Siraf to UNESCO for review and possible inscription on the World Heritage list, the deputy minister for cultural heritage said on Wednesday.

Government backs tourism operators, prioritizes pilgrimage, medical tourism: deputy minister

TEHRAN – The Iranian government has put support for tourism operators through facilitation measures at the center of its agenda and sees pilgrimage and medical tourism as sustainable drivers of the sector’s development, a senior tourism official said.

Birjand historic core set for first archaeological excavation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ministry plans to launch the first archaeological excavation in the historic urban fabric of Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan province, to study underground layers and prepare the ground for an open-air museum, a provincial official said on Sunday.

Vivid colors of Qashqai carpets enliven black tents

TEHRAN — The vivid colors and distinctive designs of Qashqai carpets add visual richness to Siah-Chadors, the traditional black tents used by Iran’s nomadic communities. Such an striking contrast, seen in only a few places worldwide, has drawn attention to the artistry and cultural value of Qashqai weaving.

Heritage sites in Fars province to be monitored by drones

TEHRAN – Fars’ cultural heritage department is set to use drones and electronic monitoring systems to oversee nationally and globally registered heritage sites scattered across the southern Iranian province.

Massive nabkhas added to national list

TEHRAN – Iran has added nabkhas located near the city of Kashan in central Isfahan province to its national list of natural heritage sites, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Tuesday.

Technology, public participation key to protecting historical sites, researcher explains

TEHRAN – Technology can play an effective role in the preservation of historical monuments through documentation, conservation and restoration, Iranian historical heritage researcher Hossein Alizadeh said in an interview published on Sunday.

Ilam handicrafts displayed at exhibition in Iraq’s Kut

TEHRAN – Artisans from Iran’s western Ilam province have taken part in a handicraft’s exhibition in Kut, the capital of Iraq’s Wasit province.

Iran, Tajikistan to bilaterally scrap visas for truck drivers from March

TEHRAN – Iran and Tajikistan have set to abolish visa requirements for each other’s international transport drivers starting in early March, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

National Museum to host Symposium of Iranian Archaeology

TEHRAN – The 23rd Symposium of Iranian Archaeology is set to be held from Jan. 26 to 28 at the National Museum of Iran in downtown Tehran, organizers said.

Archaeological studies begin at Qaleh Goli mound in western Iran

TEHRAN - Archaeological studies have begun at the ancient Qaleh Goli mound in Khanmirza county in Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, the provincial cultural heritage authority said.

Iran cultural office in Austria launches Europe-focused Iran studies prize

TEHRAN – Iran’s cultural office in Austria said it has launched the “Bert Fragner Award” to help promote Iran studies in Europe, with the inaugural award ceremony scheduled to be held in Vienna next month.

Turkish consul visits historical and tourism sites in Neyshabur

TEHRAN - Turkey’s consul general in Mashhad, Murad Erkul, has visited some historical and tourism sites in Neyshabur on an informal family trip, local cultural heritage officials said.

17 foreign tour groups visit Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom

TEHRAN - Seventeen foreign tour groups from nine countries have paid visits to the Fatima Masumeh Shrine in the city of Qom over the past week, the shrine’s international affairs office said.

Prehistoric discoveries at Falak-ol-Aflak castle strengthen UNESCO bid

KHORRAMABAD – A major archaeological campaign at the historic mound of Falak-ol-Aflak castle has uncovered important evidence that rewrites the site's history, significantly strengthening Iran's proposal for its expansion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

By Afshin Majlesi

Shushtar residents call for UNESCO listing of historical urban fabric

SHUSHTAR (Khuzestan province) - Residents of the historic city of Shushtar in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province have launched a public campaign calling for the inscription of the city’s historical urban fabric on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, citing its cultural, architectural and living heritage value.

Folk artist known as ‘Father Geppetto of Iran’ dies at 68

TEHRAN - Iranian folk artist Osman Rahmanzadeh, widely known as the “Father Geppetto of Iran” for his wooden figurines depicting Kurdish life, died on Friday after a period of lung illness.

Archaeological evidence indicates 10th-century Persian settlement in Madagascar

TEHRAN - The mysterious archaeological site of Teniky, hidden within the remote rainforests and canyons of Madagascar's Isalo National Park, has long puzzled scientists with its unique rock-cut niches and stone walls.

Farming in Persepolis buffer zone limited to protect ancient site, official says

TEHRAN - Iran has imposed strict limits on agricultural activity within the primary buffer zone of Persepolis, the head of the UNESCO-listed site said, as authorities seek to protect the ancient complex from potential damage.