Rab'-e Rashidi: restoration campaign, land acquisition drive launched

Early Islamic metallurgical complex discovered at Masouleh; strengthens revised World Heritage file

TEHRAN - A joint Iranian-Chinese archaeological team has uncovered a significant early Islamic-era settlement and a sponge iron smelting workshop at the Khanbaji Sara site within the Cultural Landscape of Masouleh in northern Iran.

Alamut Castle nears UNESCO World Heritage status, tourism minister says

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced on Tuesday that the historic Alamut Castle is on the verge of possibly being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Temple within UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil restored

TEHRAN – The first phase of a specialized conservation and restoration project on the Inshushinak Temple, located on the first floor of the Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat in Khuzestan province, has been successfully completed, a cultural heritage official announced on Monday.

Soltaniyeh, a UNESCO-listed mausoleum of the 14th century, undergoes restoration

TEHRAN – Phase two of a restoration and conservation project on the southern gate of the UNESCO-listed Soltaniyeh Dome has commenced, according to the director of the World Heritage site.

Shiraz hosts meeting on World Heritage nomination for historic mosques

TEHRAN – Shiraz hosted a two-day expert meeting focused on the potential nomination of historic mosques from 26 Iranian provinces for UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Chinese archaeologists visit Susa’s World Heritage site

TEHRAN – On Thursday, a group of Chinese archaeologists, professors, and students visited the UNESCO World Heritage site of Susa in southwest Iran, gaining insights into the region's rich history, civilization, and unique historical artifacts.

Museum dedicated to Qajar-era diplomacy opens in Tehran

TEHRAN - A new museum dedicated to diplomatic relations during the Qajar era has been inaugurated at the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran. Among the notable exhibits on display is a historical copy of the Treaty of Finckenstein, being shown to the public for the first time.

Iran’s Shush plans sister city partnerships with Najaf, Paris, and Athens

TEHRAN – The Governor of Shush has emphasized the importance of promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage and announced plans to establish sister city partnerships with Najaf, Paris, and Athens.

Japan’s ambassador visits UNESCO-registered Dome of Soltanieh

TEHRAN - The Japanese ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, recently toured the Dome of Soltanieh, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as one of the largest brick domes in the world.

Tourism minister visits Susa, highlights its ‘glorious’ World Heritage

TEHRAN - On Wednesday, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, visited the UNESCO-registered ancient city of Susa in Khuzestan province. During his visit, he emphasized the city’s universal significance and its vital role in Iranian and global history.

Governor: Less than 10% of Susa’s archaeological treasures have been excavated

TEHRAN - Omid Sabripour, the governor of Shush, has called for renewed archaeological efforts in the ancient city of Susa, where, according to him, less than 10% of its archaeological treasures have been excavated.

Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for traditional felt-making and Tirgan festival

TEHRAN - Two cultural heritage files from Iran, one for traditional felt-making and another for the Tirgan festival, have been submitted for evaluation by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee in 2026.

Historical inscription deciphered in Yazd

TEHRAN - A historical inscription located the entrance of the Hosseinian House in Yazd has been fully deciphered as part of a local calligraphy workshop.

Historical texture around Naqsh-e Jahan Sq. to undergo restoration

TEHRAN – Isfahan province’s tourism chief Amir Karamzadeh has announced plans to restore and revitalize the historical areas surrounding the southern and eastern sections of the UNESCO-registered Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

UNESCO-listed Gonbad-e Qabus undergoes restoration amid concerns over vertical cracks

TEHRAN - The iconic Gonbad-e Qabus, a UNESCO-listed 1,000-year-old brick tower located in Iran’s Golestan province, is undergoing extensive studies and restorations to address vertical cracks on its structure.

Centuries-old caravanserai to undergo restoration

TEHRAN - Ma’in Caravanserai, a 400-year-old historical landmark in Marvdasht plain of Fars province, is set to undergo restoration, the provincial tourism chief has said.

UNESCO-listed Yazd to host intl. conference on wind towers

TEHRAN - The UNESCO-registered city of Yazd, renowned for its historical wind towers (also known as wind catchers) as part of its atmospheric urban landscape, is set to host an international conference on wind towers in March 2025.

Earthquake in Khuzestan: emergency inspection conducted at Shushtar World Heritage site

TEHRAN - Following a series of earthquakes including a 5.6-magnitude one that struck Khuzestan early Thursday morning, emergency inspections were carried out at Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anthony Shirley's portrait restored and unveiled at Ali Qapu Palace

TEHRAN - A historic wall painting depicting the English diplomat Sir Anthony Shirley (1565–1635) has been restored and returned to its original location at the centuries-old Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan.

Restoration of UNESCO-listed Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman begins

TEHRAN - The restoration and revitalization of the historic Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman, southern Iran, have officially commenced, marking a significant effort to preserve the UNESCO-listed site.

Uncovering secrets of ancient metallurgy in Masouleh region

TEHRAN - Experts believe that the Masouleh landscape in northern Iran is home to numerous metalworking sites, which reflect the region’s rich metal and iron resources and the extensive historical knowledge of its people. “The region transitioned from single-stage iron smelting furnaces to more complex four-stage furnace systems, demonstrating an evolution in smelting techniques over time.”

Iranian and Chinese archaeologists collaborate on Masuleh highlands excavations

TEHRAN - A team of Iranian researchers and archaeologists, joined by Chinese fellows, has embarked on new excavations in the highlands of Masuleh to uncover the region’s rich metallurgical heritage.

Tchogha Zanbil upgrades protection: high-tech monitoring guards UNESCO site

TEHRAN - The historic ziggurat of Tchogha Zanbil in southwest Iran, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has taken significant steps to enhance its preservation.