Ancient clay jars unearthed following road erosion in western Iran

TEHRAN - Two large clay jars, possibly dating back to prehistoric times, have been discovered in Dehloran county of Ilam province, western Iran.

4,000 historical sites, structures at risk from land subsidence, Iranian tourism minister warns

Tehran - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, announced during Sunday’s cabinet meeting that approximately 4,000 historical sites and buildings across the country are under threat due to land subsidence.

Rare Sassanid-era inscription condemning break of promise discovered in Marvdasht, southern Iran

TEHRAN - A rare Sassanid-era inscription believed to condemn the act of betrayal and uphold the sanctity of loyalty and oaths has been discovered in the mountainous region of Marvdasht, Fars province, according to historian Dr. Abolhassan Atabaki.

Iran sets target to attract two million medical tourists over five years

TEHRAN – The Iranian tourism minister has announced plans to significantly boost the country’s medical tourism sector, setting a target of attracting two million medical tourists annually within the next five years.

Human remains and pottery fragments unearthed in Isfahan’s utility excavation

TEHRAN - A routine utility excavation in the historical city of Isfahan has led to the unexpected discovery of human skeletal remains and fragments of pottery, prompting an immediate halt to construction work and renewed attention to the area’s archaeological significance.

Restoration of Jalal Al-e Ahmad’s paternal house nears completion, led by female experts

TEHRAN – The paternal home of Jalal Al-e Ahmad, one of Iran’s most influential 20th-century literary and philosophical figures, is undergoing the final stages of restoration, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of Iranian women.

Esfahak village gains UNESCO research chair for earth architecture

TEHRAN - The village of Esfahak in South Khorasan province has been awarded one of UNESCO’s 34 prestigious research chairs, marking an achievement for the local and national cultural heritage and scientific communities.

Shaikha Al Nowais elected as secretary-general of UN Tourism

TEHRAN – In a landmark decision on Friday, the Executive Council of UN Tourism elected Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates as its next secretary-general for the 2026–2029 term.

Cruise ship enters Mazandaran waters

TEHRAN-- Entry of a newly purchased cruise ship by a private sector investor into Iranian territorial waters of Caspian Sea while it is approaching activity off the coast of Mazandaran province, has put the provincial tourism on the threshold of new season.

Kazakhstan ready to deepen cultural and tourism cooperation with Iran

TEHRAN — Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Iran, Ontalap Onalbayev, has commended Iran’s civilizational heritage and its diverse cultural, historical, and natural attractions, saying his country is ready to deepen cultural and tourism cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

German ambassador highlights archaeology as a cultural bridge between Tehran and Berlin

TEHRAN - German Ambassador to Iran, Markus Potzel, has described archaeology as a shared language of civilizations and a powerful bridge linking Iran and Germany through science and culture.

Artifacts from Qajar and early Pahlavi eras discovered in Tehran park

TEHRAN - Recent archaeological discoveries made during urban development projects in Yas Park, located in northern Tehran, have been confirmed to date back to the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods.

Finnish ambassador visits Mazandaran, honors environmental legacy of ‘Mother of the Cranes’

TEHRAN – Finland’s Ambassador to Iran, Jani Johannes Raippana, has praised Iran’s vast investment potential, particularly in the northern province of Mazandaran, describing its economic capacities as “unparalleled,” especially in the fields of tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and mining.

Treasury of National Jewels to reopen to the public in Tehran

TEHRAN – After a temporary closure, the Treasury of National Jewels in Tehran is once again welcoming visitors, starting Saturday, May 31 (10 Khordad in the Iranian calendar).

Kermanshah identifies 50 new villages with high tourism potential

TEHRAN - The Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Kermanshah province has announced the identification of 50 lesser-known villages with strong tourism potential, aiming to promote rural and nature-based tourism across the western Iranian province.

Wezmeh Cave in west Zagros reveals window into prehistoric ecosystems

TEHRAN - In a landmark archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered a remarkably diverse assemblage of Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene animal remains from Wezmeh Cave in western Iran’s Zagros Mountains.

New book brings ancient skeletons of Iranian plateau to life through storytelling and science

TEHRAN - A newly published Persian-language book titled “101 Narrations from Skeletons of Ancient Sites of Iranian Plateau” by Mehrnoosh Zadehdabagh offers a unique glimpse into the lives—and deaths—of ancient inhabitants of Iran.

Bangladesh ambassador visits historical attractions in Urmia, northwest Iran

TEHRAN - The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Iran, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, has visited the city of Urmia in northwest Iran, where he toured several of its prominent historical and cultural landmarks.

Damghan, a treasure trove for cultural travelers and history enthusiasts

TEHRAN - Steeped in history and dotted with architectural marvels, Damghan in Iran’s Semnan province is a treasure trove for cultural travelers and history enthusiasts.

Parthian mural excavated from southwest Iran reveals artistic innovation

TEHRAN – A rare Parthian-era wall painting, being kept at the National Museum of Iran, reveals sophisticated artistry and enduring secrets.

Registration documents for ‘Sacred Defense’ elements unveiled

TEHRAN - On the 43rd anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr, Iranian authorities unveiled official national registration documents for 12 sites and elements in Khuzestan province linked to the country’s eight-year war with Iraq, known domestically as the Sacred Defense (1980–1988).

By Afshin Majlesi

Reviving roots: a new chapter in Iran’s rural tourism

KERMAN - On May 21, the first-ever national celebration of ecolodges brought together some 600 ecolodge managers, travel insiders, and media personnel from across the country.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran holds first national celebration of ecolodges to promote sustainable tourism

KERMAN — The city of Kerman hosted Iran’s first-ever National Celebration of Ecolodges on May 21 (Ordibehesht 31), highlighting the country's growing commitment to sustainable and community-based tourism.

Stolen artifacts from Shah Nematollah Vali Museum recovered, main suspect arrested

TEHRAN - Iranian authorities have announced the successful recovery of several stolen artifacts, including rare handwritten copies of the holy Quran, from the Shah Nematollah Vali Museum in Mahan, Kerman province.