Mudbrick houses: The heritage of traditional Iranian architecture

TEHRAN - Across Iran’s deserts, dry plains and mountain valleys, houses built from earth form some of the country’s most distinctive architectural landscapes. Their rounded roofs, thick walls, shaded courtyards and, in places, tall windcatchers are more than picturesque features. They are the result of centuries of experience in building with local materials and adapting everyday life to a difficult climate.

AI is reshaping tourism beyond digital services, Iranian researcher says

TEHRAN – Artificial intelligence is moving beyond digital tools and online services to reshape the structure of the tourism industry, influencing how travelers choose destinations, how experiences are designed and how destinations are managed, an Iranian researcher has said.

Heritage is identity: Iranian archaeologist exposes scale of war destruction to historic sites

TEHRAN – An Iranian archaeologist, Sonia Shidrang, highlighted in a global webinar hosted by the International Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM), a scientific committee under ICOMOS, that the 40-day war with the United States and the Israeli regime left 149 historical sites across 20 provinces damaged, and that Iran's cultural heritage now demands a response grounded in international law, rigorous documentation, and a concrete protection plan.

Mehregan festival marked in Iran as seasonal tradition endures

TEHRAN - Some Iranians observed Mehregan, an ancient festival associated with Mehr, friendship, and the autumn harvest, on Friday, keeping alive a tradition that has survived in different forms across Iran over centuries.

Jiroft event uses child tourism to connect new generation with ancient civilization

TEHRAN - A cultural and educational event in Jiroft has used child- and family-oriented tourism activities to introduce younger generations to the 5,000-year-old civilization of the Halil Rud valley and promote awareness of the importance of protecting archaeological heritage.

Resilience key to Iran’s tourism survival under difficult conditions: HEGTA chief

TEHRAN - Resilience and a fundamental rethink of planning are essential for Iran’s tourism sector as rising travel costs, transport and investment constraints, sanctions and regional conditions put pressure on the industry, the head of the Tourism Group of Iran’s Social Security Organization (HEGTA) said on Friday.

20 historical bazaars undergoing revitalization across Iran

TEHRAN – Around 20 historical bazaars across Iran are currently being revitalized in cooperation with municipalities and local shopkeepers, a former head of the Urban Regeneration Company of Iran has said.

S. Korean ambassador highlights Iran’s ecotourism potential

TEHRAN – South Korean Ambassador to Iran Kim Junpyo has highlighted the potential of Iran’s ecotourism sector to support local economies and offer visitors authentic experiences of local culture and daily life.

Archaeological excavations to resume at historic Zagros cemetery in Sanandaj

TEHRAN – Archaeological excavations at the historic Zagros cemetery in Sanandaj, Kordestan province, western Iran, are set to begin in the coming days following authorization from the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, a provincial heritage official said.

Child tourism can become a new value chain in Iran’s travel industry

TEHRAN – Child tourism can offer Iran’s travel industry more than a niche market for family trips. By placing children’s needs, interests and participation at the center of travel design, the sector can create new products, diversify tourism services and encourage families to spend more time and money at destinations.

Saravan, a living museum of historic minaret architecture

TEHRAN - Saravan’s historic minarets offer travelers a distinctive way to explore the evolution of religious architecture in Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, where mud-brick construction, local craftsmanship and centuries-old religious traditions have shaped the landscape.

Conservation project launched for Sasanian King Shapur I statue in southern Iran

TEHRAN – The first phase of a new conservation and rehabilitation project has begun on the monumental statue of Sasanian King Shapur I in Shapur Cave, near Kazerun in southern Iran, the head of the Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars said.

Malay diplomat highlights interest in Iran, Isfahan among Malaysians

TEHRAN – Malaysia’s chargé d’affaires and head of mission in Tehran Wan Azninizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid has highlighted the interest of many Malaysians in visiting Iran, particularly the historic city of Isfahan, and called for broader tourism, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.

Shams Tabrizi mausoleum project seen as boost for cultural tourism

TEHRAN - The completion and opening of the mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi in Khoy will mark a major milestone for cultural diplomacy and tourism in West Azarbaijan, the provincial governor said.

Zoroastrian funerary inscription from late Sasanian era discovered in southern Iran

TEHRAN - A newly discovered funerary inscription dating to the late Sasanian period and associated with a Zoroastrian burial has been found in a carved frame north of the ancient city of Estakhr in Marvdasht plain of Fars province, southern Iran.

‘School reopening ceremony’ added to Iran’s national intangible heritage list

TEHRAN - Iran has officially registered the traditional ceremony marking the reopening of schools as part of the country’s national intangible cultural heritage, the minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts said on Wednesday.

30 Sasanian silver coins restored in Isfahan workshop

TEHRAN - Thirty silver coins dating to the Sasanian period have undergone specialized conservation and restoration at the restoration workshop of the Cultural Heritage Department in Iran’s central Isfahan province, the provincial heritage chief has said.

By Afshin Majlesi

Indian embassy celebrates Ayurveda Day, highlights Iran cooperation

TEHRAN - The embassy of India in Tehran hosted a ceremony on Wednesday to mark National Ayurveda Day under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” bringing together diplomats, physicians, media representatives and enthusiasts of traditional medicine.

Traditional vest from Yazd showcased in Mexico

TEHRAN – A traditional embroidered vest from Abarkuh, Yazd province, was showcased at the fourth international Soka exhibition in Mexico, where it received recognition from the event’s judges and experts.

Foreign diplomats visit historic, natural sites in Urmia

TEHRAN - Ambassadors and diplomats from nine countries, along with representatives of two international organizations, visited Lake Urmia and several historic sites in Urmia during a visit to the northwestern Iranian city.

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Rail Tourism in Iran: Connecting Historic Cities, Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Railways have always played an important role in connecting different parts of Iran. However, today, they can offer much more than transportation. With its rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and diverse natural landscapes, Iran has great potential to develop rail tourism. Traveling by train can provide tourists with an opportunity to discover the country in a different way, making the journey itself an important part of the travel experience.