Four Iranian historic water structures selected for global irrigation heritage recognition

TEHRAN - Four historic Iranian water and irrigation structures -- Si-o-se-pol in Isfahan, Band-e Amir in Fars, the Shadorvan Grand Weir in Khuzestan and the historic hydraulic structures of Siraf in Bushehr -- have been selected for recognition under the World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) program of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).

Ramadan customs can become cultural tourism product, researcher says

TEHRAN — The holy month of Ramadan revives deep-rooted rituals that connect faith, popular culture and social life, offering strong potential for cultural narration and ritual tourism development.

Priority goes for adapting Fars historical sites to accessible tourism for people with disabilities

TEHRAN -- Physically adapting historical and tourist sites, observing accessibility standards, and strengthening the cultural activities related to the disabled community are among the main priorities of Fars Cultural Heritage Department.

23,000 foreign tourists visited Fars during March-September 2025

TEHRAN—Over 23,000 foreign tourists visited Fars province during the first half of current Iranian year (March-September 2025).

Shah Cheragh shrine holds unique potential for religious tourism

TEHRAN – The holy shrine of Shah Cheragh, where Seyyed Mir Ahmad, one of the brothers of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, is laid to rest, holds a unique potential for religious tourism in the ancient city of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province.

UNESCO registration of Zandieh complex high on agenda

TEHRAN--Considering that the registration of Zandieh complex of Shiraz on the UNESCO World Heritage list is on the agenda of Fars Cultural Heritage Department, one of its biggest problems is Aseman Hotel, which has created visual distortion in the horizon of Zandieh complex, of which Karim Khan Citadel is perhaps the most important part.

Visitors to access Darius I’s trilingual inscription at Persepolis

TEHRAN – Visitors to Persepolis would have access to the splendid inscription of the Achaemenid King Darius I by Nowruz 1405 (March 2026). The trilingual rack-carved relief is currently being restored, local authorities said.

Kazan Kremlin hosting photo exhibit of Shiraz attractions

TEHRAN--The UNESCO-registered Kazan Kremlin, a historical citadel in the city of Kazan, Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, is playing host to a photography exhibition of Shiraz historical, cultural and religious attractions.

55 Iranian hotels nominated for Green Label Award

TEHRAN— A total of 55 hotels from 15 provinces and one from Kish Free Zone will compete in the first round of awarding the Green Label for Iranian Hotels, Mohammad Jahanshahi, the Secretary of the National Committee for Nature Tourism, has said.

By Katayoon Dashti

World’s largest hand-made cave, an unknown heritage in Fars province

Sang Shekanan (stonemasons) cave in the south of Jahrom, Fars province, has been dubbed the largest hand-made cave in the world, but many people in Iran and even Fars have not yet heard of it, and it has few visitors.

Ban on exports of Iranian backgammon lifted

TEHRAN—An official with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced the lifting of the ban on backgammon exports.

Global audiences gain access to Iranian heritage through 24-hour TV

TEHRAN — Meysam Shokripour, manager of Persepolis Internet TV, has said the first 24-hour channel dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, launched less than a year ago, allows audiences worldwide to access Iranian cultural and historical content, including Persepolis, via mobile phones, computers and smart TVs.