Urgent repairs ordered after water leak damages Isfahan’s UNESCO-listed mosque

TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities have launched emergency measures to contain water leakage and ground subsidence at the UNESCO-listed Jameh Mosque of Isfahan after moisture and cracks were detected near its centuries-old Nezam al-Molk dome.

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.

Iran to resubmit Masuleh cultural landscape dossier for UNESCO World Heritage status

TEHRAN — Iran is set to soon submit a revised nomination dossier for Masuleh and its cultural landscape for possible inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, a senior cultural heritage official said on Monday.

Isfahan holds ceremony marking UNESCO listing of mirror-work art

TEHRAN - A ceremony was held in Isfahan on Tuesday to mark the inscription of Ayeneh-Kari, the Iranian art of architectural mirror work, on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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.

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.

By Afshin Majlesi

Sa’dabad director outlines major restoration, conservation push at former royal complex in Tehran

TEHRAN – The director of the Sa’dabad Cultural-Historical Complex says the former royal residence in northern Tehran has accelerated restoration and conservation work, completing a long-delayed digital inventory of its holdings while advancing new projects to safeguard thousands of stored objects.

Minister urges restoration of Arak bazaar ahead of possible UNESCO review

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism minister said on Saturday that the historical bazaar of Arak requires urgent restoration work as the government pursues its possible inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Persepolis launches new conservation program using advanced material and imaging technology

TEHRAN – Iranian restoration teams have launched a new conservation program at the UNESCO-designated Persepolis and the nearby Naqsh-e Rostam site using advanced imaging, special material, and stone-analysis technologies, officials said on Saturday.

UNESCO-listed Susa completes protection work on 253 Apadana Palace remains

TEHRAN – Conservation teams in the UNESCO-registered Susa have completed a project to safeguard and protect 253 architectural remains from the Achaemenid-era Apadana Palace, the head of the Susa World Heritage base said on Tuesday.

Visits to UNESCO-listed Lut Desert soars since mid-autumn

TEHRAN – More than 2,500 tourists have visited the picturesque Lut Desert since early October, marking a significant increase in travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site, a local heritage official said.

Iran minister says UNESCO recognition of Cyrus Charter reflects deep cultural roots of justice

TEHRAN – Iran’s minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s recognition of Cyrus the Great’s Charter demonstrates that justice has long been embedded in Iranian culture.

Yazd hosting conference on Iran’s historical cities

TEHRAN - The second conference of Iran’s historical cities opened in Yazd on Wednesday, bringing together representatives from 43 cities across the country to discuss ways to preserve and promote urban heritage.

Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for 17 historic mosques showcasing ‘Persian Mosque’ legacy

TEHRAN – Iran has placed 17 of its most iconic mosques on UNESCO’s Tentative List under the collective title “Persian Mosque,” paving the way for a possible future inscription on the World Heritage List.

Salehi-Amiri meets new UN Tourism Secretary-General

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri has met with the new UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais on the sidelines of the UN body’s 26th general assembly, which officially opened in Riyadh on Sunday.

17th Kerman’s Handicrafts Exhibition inaugurated

TEHRAN--The 17th Kerman’s Handicrafts Exhibition was opened at the permanent location of Kerman International Exhibitions, southeast of Iran, on the evening of Tuesday, in the presence of the inspector of Cultural Heritage Ministry’s Handicrafts Department, the governor-general, the provincial handicrafts chief, and with the participation of artists from various provinces.

Polish tourists to travel to Lut Desert

TEHRAN—Some 11 polish tourists are to travel to Lut Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during November 7-16, said Mohammad Arab, the deputy head of South Khorasan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department.

FM tours UNESCO-inscribed bazaar during Tabriz mission

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday visited the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, inspecting several sections of the UNESCO World Heritage site during an official trip to the capital of East Azarbaijan province.

Cave museum to be launched in Lorestan

TEHRAN—Following registration of the Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a cave museum will be launched in Khorramabad, the capital of Lorestan province.

Dezpart Pomegranate Festival to boost local tourism

TEHRAN--The third Pomegranate Festival of Dezpart county in Khuzestan province will be held on Thursday, in Tang-e Qaf (Qaf Strait) tourist area, to introduce the agricultural potential, especially the high-quality pomegranate product of the region, as well as showcasing the local culture and customs.

Golestan Palace’s library equipped with advanced fire protection system

TEHRAN – The manuscript library and album house of the UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace has been equipped with a state-of-the-art automatic fire detection and suppression system using FM-200 gas.

West Azarbaijan tourism industry to boom

TEHRAN—Tourism industry in West Azarbaijan province will be overhauled in near future through boosting the infrastructures and exploiting the projects, said Morteza Safari, the head of West Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department.

Salehi-Amiri: Students are main guardians of Iranian culture

TEHRAN—Iranian culture is like a bubbling spring that has been the lifeblood of this land for centuries, and it is a trust in the hands of the younger generation today, said Cultural Heritage Minister Seyyed Reza Saheli-Amiri.

UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace to reopen museums in phases from Sept. 23

TEHRAN – Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Tehran, will begin reopening its museums and historic buildings in stages starting Sept. 23, the site’s director said on Sunday.

Sistan-Baluchestan needlework, symbol of Iranian authenticity, civilization

TEHRAN—Sistan-Baluchestan’s cultural heritage and handicrafts particularly the needlework made by Baloch women and girls is manifestation of beauty, creativity, and pure culture of Iran, said Fariba Kousari, the veteran actress.

Iran heritage official responds to concerns over orchestra concert at Persepolis

TEHRAN – An Iranian heritage official said on Monday that a permanent, safe venue will be designated for cultural events at Persepolis after a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra at the ancient site sparked concern among cultural heritage advocates and archaeologists.