Qasr-e Khorshid: once temporary home to the ‘Napoleon of Iran’

TEHRAN – Qasr-e Khorshid (literally ‘the Sun Palace’), an 18th-century iconic monument in northeast Iran, was once a royal resident for Nader Shah of Persia (1688–1747), often called the “Napoleon of Iran,” who created an empire that stretched from northern India to the Caucasus Mountains.

By Anna Karsten

Is it safe to travel to Iran as a solo female traveler?

Before I started reading more into Iran, all I heard about this country were stories about its politics. In the media, Iran seemed like a place where no one would ever want to visit. Can you imagine solo female travel in Iran?

By Afshin Majlesi

Northwest Iran: A verdant realm of ancient churches & monasteries

TEHRAN - To the untrained eye, Iran’s earliest churches may seem modest structures to some but they bear testimony to a vast panorama of architectural and decorative scenes associated with Armenian culture blended with other regional cultures: Byzantine, Orthodox, Assyrian, Persian and Muslim.

Religious tourism: Prophet Habakkuk and his tomb tower in Iran

TEHRAN – As you know religious tourism, which marks one of the oldest forms of traveling, is exclusively or strongly-motivated by spiritual reasons. It can also be referred to as faith tourism or spiritual tourism.

Discover Istakhr, ancient royal residence near legendary Persepolis

TEHRAN – The ancient city of Istakhr, which was once a royal residence for Sassanid kings of Persia, is located in the vicinity of the UNESCO-registered Persepolis.

Ganjali Khan complex reminiscent of everyday life in 17th-century Iran

TEHRAN - The historical Ganjali Khan complex, which is composed of a madrasa, a mosque, a caravanserai, a hammam (public bathhouse), a water reservoir and a labyrinth bazaar, all centered on a large public square, is a typical Iranian tourist spot to wander around!

Tricky waterproof repairs cast doubt over fate of Iranian architecture masterpiece

TEHRAN – Many visitors to the 17th-centyry Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, a top masterpiece of Iranian architecture that stands tall in Isfahan, witnessed last month that its picturesque creamy dome was emerged split-face from a snowfall.

A glance at a lavishly decorated house in central Iran

TEHRAN – Photos depict scenes of the extravagantly decorated Mollabashi (Motamedi) house in Isfahan, central Iran, on January 20, 2020.

Porticos, arches, domes and gardens, key elements of Persian architecture

TEHRAN – Iran has inherited numerous architectural traditions over the course of history. The Elamite, Achaemenian, Hellenistic, and other pre-Islamic and Islamic-era dynasties have left striking stone testaments to their greatness, such as Chogha Zanbil and Persepolis—both of which were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979.

UNESCO-tagged monastery’s main dome restored

TEHRAN – Main dome of the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus, a UNESCO-registered property in northwest Iran, has recently been restored successfully, IRNA reported on Tuesday.

Ancient Iran: a glimpse of Persian art and architecture under Sassanids

TEHRAN – The Sassanid era (224 CE–651) is of very high importance in the history of Iran. Under Sassanids, Persian art and architecture experienced a general renaissance.

A glance at essential elements of traditional architecture in Iran

TEHRAN - Persian architecture has a long and complex history. The Elamite, Achaemenian, Hellenistic, and other pre-Islamic dynasties left striking stone testaments to their greatness, such as Chogha Zanbil and Persepolis—both designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979. 

Explore Indian architectural marvels at Tehran’s Golestan Palace

TEHRAN – A loan exhibit featuring architectural marvels of India is underway at the UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran, which has long been a major destination for foreign travelers.

Meet designer who brings contemporary architecture to ancient Iran

TEHRAN – There have been many innovative ways to introduce cultural heritage sites to avid sightseers and potential travelers, one may be creating photomontages in order to make them even more inspiring!

Kordasht Bathhouse; a tourist destination famed for intricate interior design

TEHRAN – Photos depict exterior and interior views of the historical Kordasht Bathhouse, a tourist destination famed for intricate geometrical arrangements and spectacular wall paintings, July 27, 2019.

Restored creamy tiles to be reinstalled on Iranian architecture masterpiece

TEHRAN – Some two eighths of delicately floral tiles, which for centuries adorned the creamy dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, have been restored and are ready to be reinstalled on the monument that is widely known as a masterpiece of Iranian architecture.

Retrospective shows delicacy of mirrorwork in Iranian architecture

TEHRAN – Delicacy of mirrorwork in Iranian architecture is in the limelight at the UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran, where a retrospective of a veteran Iranian artisan is underway.

Vank Cathedral: A gorgeous fusion of Islamic, Armenian architecture

TEHRAN – The centuries-old Vank Cathedral (locally called Kelisa-ye Vank) is widely referred to as an everlasting masterpiece of architecture.

Tehran talks explore fresh ideas on modern architecture

TEHRAN - Tehran hosted an international conference on April 23-24, which turned the spotlight on how to better restore modern architecture and landscape across Iran.

Desert nature, architecture inspire art collection

TEHRAN – Young artist Hanieh Banai has created her latest pottery collection with inspirations coming from desert nature and architecture.

A peek into Iranian art and architecture under Sassanids

TEHRAN – In many ways, Iran under Sassanian rule witnessed tremendous achievements of Persian civilization. Experts say that during Sassanid era (224-651 CE), the art and architecture of the nation experienced a general renaissance.

Seminar discusses geometric patterns in Islamic art

TEHRAN – The Islamic Azad University, Kerman branch, turned the spotlight on geometric patterns and designs in Islamic art during a two-day seminar held on December 4 and 5.

Tehran’s Charsou-Bozorg under restoration after 40 years

TEHRAN – A team of three Iranian and eight German restorers has commenced a project to bring Charsou-Bozorg – part of Tehran’s historic grand bazaar - back to its former glory. 

Tehran architecture under spotlight at University of Melbourne

TEHRAN – The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne is scrutinizing architecture in the Iranian capital of Tehran during an exhibition, which opened on Thursday, the organizers announced.