Total:115
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2024-06-21 17:29
Arg of Tabriz: a testament to Ilkhanate splendor
TEHRAN – For centuries, the Arg of Tabriz, although partially in ruins today, has captivated visitors with its historical significance and architectural splendor.
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2024-06-18 18:02
Darougheh House: a unique blend of Iranian, Russian architecture
TEHRAN – Darougheh House offers a captivating glimpse into a transitional period of Iranian architecture, where traditional Persian styles merged with Russian elements.
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2024-06-08 18:48
From palaces to shrines: the brilliance of Iranian mirror work
TEHRAN - In the heart of Iran’s architectural history lies a shimmering tradition which not only decorates but also enlightens the spaces it adorns. It is the ancient art of mirror work, which is known for its dazzling display of light and intricate mosaics.
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2024-06-05 20:34
By Afshin Majlesi
Discovering Samarkand: Mausoleum of Amir Timur through the eyes of foreign tourists
UZBEKISTAN, Samarkand - During a recent visit to Samarkand, I explored a number of historical gems, including Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Mausoleum of Amir Timur, to name a few.
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2024-05-27 22:18
By Afshin Majlesi
From Yazd to Khiva: twin gems of ancient architecture and culture
UZBEKISTAN, Tashkent - In the vast expanse of Asia, among the myriad of ancient cities, two stand out for their striking similarities and rich cultural heritage: Yazd in Iran and Khiva in Uzbekistan.
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2024-05-24 17:25
By Afshin Majlesi
From mosques to mausoleums: architecture under Seljuk patronage
TEHRAN - The Seljuk Dynasty, the first Turkish rulers of the Muslim world, brought a renaissance to the Islamic Caliphate, characterized by religious fervor and robust governance.
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2024-05-21 17:35
Espi Mazget, a ruined Sassanid temple in northern Iran
TEHRAN - Nestled in the lush landscape of Gilan province, lies the ruins of Espi Mazget, which was originally a place of worship in the Sassanid era.
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2024-05-20 17:27
Discover architectural splendor of Golpayegan mosque
TEHRAN – Visiting ancient mosques as a sightseer offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond mere architectural admiration. These historic religious sites serve as living museums, preserving centuries of history, culture, and artistry.
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2024-04-29 18:16
A tale of similar mausoleums: one in Iran, the other in Turkmenistan
TEHRAN - The Mausoleum of Ahmad Sanjar, located within the historic city of Merv in Turkmenistan, and the Mausoleum of Oljaytu, famously known as the Soltaneyeh Dome, situated in Iran's Zanjan province, have long been celebrated for their architectural splendor and historical significance.
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2024-04-26 16:51
By Afshin Majlesi
From trade to tradition: a journey through iconic bazaars
TEHRAN – For tourists, Iranian bazaars offer a window into local culture, providing opportunities to witness authentic social interactions and procure unique Iranian souvenirs.
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2024-04-24 17:52
Sardar-e Bozorg: a journey through Qazvin’s subterranean realm
TEHRAN – Ab-Anbar-e Sardar-e Bozorg, composed of mudbrick twin cisterns, stands as a remarkable feat of Iranian architectural ingenuity within the ancient city of Qazvin.
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2024-04-02 16:52
By Afshin Majlesi
Tranquility amidst history: Jameh Mosque welcomes travelers to Semnan
TEHRAN - In the heart of the ancient city of Semnan, where the whispers of the Silk Road still echo through time, lies a jewel of Islamic architecture, a testament to centuries of cultural exchange and spiritual devotion.
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2024-03-16 18:09
Kashikari: a symbol of ornamental elements in Iran
TEHRAN - Kashikari, or tiling, stands as one of the paramount symbols and prominent ornamental elements in Iranian architecture, representing an ancient craft deeply rooted in the land. Initially, tiling predominantly utilized glazed bricks for the structural integrity and aesthetic enhancement of buildings. Over time, however, it transitioned to serve as a defining feature in the appearance and façade of structures.
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2024-03-13 16:50
Beyond bricks and stucco: Heydariyyeh Mosque and its enduring legacy
TEHRAN – Heydariyyeh Mosque stands as a splendid testament to the Seljuk period, likely dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century.
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2024-02-21 22:15
Clock towers: functional timepieces, architectural marvels
TEHRAN - Iran's rich cultural heritage is often embodied in its architectural marvels, and among its treasures are the historical clock towers that stand as silent sentinels of bygone eras. From the opulent palaces of Tehran to the serene mosques of Shiraz and Yazd, these clock towers not only mark the passage of time but also tell stories of cultural exchange and technological advancement.
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2024-01-22 17:42
Discover Ardabil Great Mosque as tourism magnet
TEHRAN – Located in northwest Iran, the Ardabil Great Mosque, also known as Masjed Jameh in some sources, stands as the sole surviving segment of a grand complex constructed over various historical periods.
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2024-01-01 17:38
Sassanid temple in southern Iran needs urgent restoration, cultural heritage devotee says
TEHRAN – Siavash Aria, who is a cultural heritage devotee and expert, has raised an urgent plea for the restoration of the ancient Chahar-Taq of Kohnaru, a revered Sassanid-era ruined temple situated in southern Iran.
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2023-12-30 17:32
By Afshin Majlesi
Reviving heritage: Isfahan’s alleyway transformed from dust to magnificence
ISFAHAN - As the sun sets over Isfahan’s horizon, casting a golden hue upon the newly revived passageway, one cannot help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for breathing new life into a forgotten slice of history at the heart of this timeless city.
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2023-12-24 17:01
17th-century caravanserai undergoes restoration
TEHRAN - The second phase of restoration work has been commenced on Aveh Caravanserai, a 17th-century monument in Saveh county of Markazi province.
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2023-12-18 17:14
Qanat: ancient marvel for water access, air conditioning and refrigeration
TEHRAN - With roots tracing back over 3,000 years, the qanat stands as an astounding engineering feat that ancient Iranians used as an enduring solution to easily obtainable water.
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2023-12-17 17:24
Blue Mosque: project for documentation, photogrammetric maps accomplished
TEHRAN - A project involving the documentation and creation of photogrammetric maps of the Blue Mosque, which is a treasured cultural gem in the ancient city of Tabriz, has been accomplished.
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2023-12-11 16:47
Thai ambassador visits Fatima Masoumeh shrine
TEHRAN – On Sunday, the Kingdom of Thailand’s new ambassador to Tehran, Pichit Boonsud, paid a visit to the holy shrine of Fatima Masoumeh (SA) and its associated cultural sites in Qom.
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2023-12-06 17:44
Ancient port lights up wind towers for sake of tourism
TEHRAN – All the wind towers in Laft have been lit up for the sake of tourism in the ancient port city, which is situated on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf.
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2023-12-05 17:55
Expert seeks UNESCO status for Iraj fortress, calls it remarkable phenomenon of Persian architecture
TEHRAN – A cultural heritage expert has proposed the nomination of the Iraj fortress for possible inclusion in UNESCO’s cultural heritage register.
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2023-12-02 17:58
50 Iranian mosques given national heritage status
TEHRAN – So far, more than 50 mosques across Iran have been registered on the national list for cultural heritage, the deputy tourism minister said.
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2023-11-28 16:49
19th-century mural in 11th-century mosque restored
TEHRAN – Restoration work has come to an end on a 19th-century fresco within the Jameh Mosque of Semnan, which was constructed in the first half of the 11th century in the ancient Iranian city.
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2023-11-14 17:21
Centuries-old murals of Safavid palace undergo restoration
TEHRAN – A restoration work has commenced on centuries-old frescoes that once adorned Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun Palace, where Safavid kings received dignitaries and foreign ambassadors in their capital city.
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2023-11-14 17:13
Cracks on UNESCO-listed tower dormant, director says
TEHRAN – Cracks, which are visible on the exterior and interior sides of Gonbad-e Kavus, are dormant and quite old, the director of the World Heritage site has said.
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2023-11-13 16:23
Urgent restoration starts on Seyyed Mosque, a lesser-known gem of architecture in Isfahan
TEHRAN – The Qajar-era Seyyed Mosque has undergone urgent restoration work aimed at fixing cracks appearing in its dome and walls.
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2023-11-10 16:31
Vank Cathedral: A sip of Iran’s rich architectural culture in Isfahan
TEHRAN - The All Saviour’s Cathedral, locally known as Kelisa-ye Vank (“Vank Cathedral”) or the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is probably the most famous example of Christian religious architecture in the ancient city of Isfahan, known as “half the world”.