Fatatu Forest, a hidden natural retreat in northern Iran

TEHRAN - Tucked away in the rural landscape of northern Iran, Fatatu Forest is a natural attraction in Khomam county, Gilan province, offering visitors a peaceful escape among lush vegetation, wetlands, rice fields and the landscapes of the southern Caspian coast. Recognized for its ecological importance and its surviving Hyrcanian forest vegetation, the woodland holds considerable potential for nature-based tourism, although limited visitor facilities remain a challenge.

Restoration of Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun palace awaits UNESCO funding

TEHRAN - Restoration of Iran’s UNESCO-listed Chehel Sotoun palace and garden is awaiting additional funding from the government and UNESCO, as experts assess structural damage to the Safavid-era monument following a 40-day war with the US and Israeli forces, the site’s director said.

Jameh Mosque of Fahraj: A timeless architectural treasure near Yazd

TEHRAN - Located near the historic city of Yazd in central Iran, the Jameh Mosque of Fahraj, also known as Masjid-i Jami of Fahraj, is a remarkable destination for travelers interested in history, architecture and Iran’s Islamic heritage. Distinguished by its simple earthen construction, ancient vaults and historic minaret, the mosque offers a glimpse into an important period in the evolution of Iranian religious architecture.

Restoration of Sassanid reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam nears completion after three decades

TEHRAN – The restoration of Sassanid-era bas-reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam, one of Iran’s most significant archaeological sites, is approaching completion after a conservation effort that began in the 1990s, with work continuing on a relief depicting Shapur II, a site official said.

Beyond Iran’s famous cities: villages that deserve a place on every traveler’s itinerary

TEHRAN - Iran’s historical cities are renowned for their grand mosques, Persian gardens, traditional bazaars and Silk Road heritage. Yet beyond the familiar destinations of Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, to name a few, lies another side of the country: a landscape of mountain villages, ancient mud-brick settlements and rural communities whose traditions offer a different perspective on Iranian life.

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.

Feast of grapes: A harvest tradition and travel experience in Iran

TEHRAN - Held between August 21 and September 21 in different grape-growing regions of Iran, the feast of grapes is a traditional harvest celebration with roots believed to date back around 3,000 years.

Crafting and playing the oud: A living musical heritage in Iran

TEHRAN – With its resonant melodies and distinctive pear-shaped body, the oud has long been part of the musical traditions of Iran and the wider West Aisa. Its craftsmanship and performance, sustained through generations of makers and musicians, received international recognition in 2022 when Iran and Syria jointly inscribed the tradition on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Bushehr: Where Iran’s history meets the Persian Gulf

TEHRAN - On Iran’s southern coast, where the Zagros Mountains descend toward the Persian Gulf, Bushehr offers a distinctive blend of history, architecture, nature and living traditions. The sea has shaped almost every aspect of life here, from trade and fishing to cuisine, music and the design of traditional houses.

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.

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.

Book on history of vehicle license plates in Iran unveiled

TEHRAN – A book tracing the history of vehicle license plates in Iran, from the arrival of automobiles to the introduction of the country’s national registration system, was unveiled on Saturday at the Mostazafan Foundation’s headquarters in Tehran.

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.