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2025-06-06 17:26
By Afshin Majlesi
Soheili village: a model of sustainable tourism in southern Iran
QESHM ISLAND - As a journalist focused on tourism and cultural heritage, my recent journey to Soheili village, located on the sun-kissed Qeshm Island in southern Iran, felt less like a reporting mission and more like uncovering a hidden gem with astonishing potential.
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2025-05-09 17:21
By Afshin Majlesi
Preserving the past, building the future: Kandelous and the path to sustainable tourism
KANDELOUS (Mazandaran province) – Nestled in the heart of Iran’s Alborz mountain range and just 35 kilometers from the Caspian Sea, the ancient village of Kandelous offers an authentic rural escape for those in search of tradition, tranquility, and natural beauty.
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2025-04-18 17:18
By Afshin Majlesi
Iran celebrates Intl. Day for Monuments and Sites amid rich cultural legacy
TEHRAN - Each year on April 18, many countries across the globe celebrate the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS) — a date dedicated to recognizing and protecting the cultural treasures that connect us to the past.
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2025-03-17 17:36
By Afshin Majlesi
Nowruz in Tehran embraces tranquility amidst urban splendor
TEHRAN - As Nowruz approaches, Tehran’s hustle and bustle gives way to serene tranquility, offering visitors a unique perspective on the Iranian capital.
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2025-03-08 18:13
Hasht Behesht Palace: a jewel of Safavid architecture
TEHRAN – Nestled in the heart of Isfahan, Hasht Behesht Palace stands as one of the most exquisite remnants of the Safavid era. Known as one of the last royal residences of the Safavid kings, this majestic palace has long been celebrated as one of the most beautiful of that epoch.
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2025-03-04 18:15
Qazvin’s Jameh Mosque: a testament to centuries of architectural brilliance
TEHRAN - The Jameh Mosque of Qazvin, also known as the Friday Mosque of Qazvin, stands as one of Iran’s oldest and most historically significant mosques.
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2025-02-25 18:11
By Afshin Majlesi
Tour operators express surprise over the real image of Iran
ISFAHAN - In a striking revelation that counters long-standing negative perceptions, 100 international tour operators from 25 countries recently visited Iran’s ancient city of Isfahan and expressed their astonishment at the reality they encountered.
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2025-01-04 17:31
By Afshin Majlesi
Lar: a journey through time and culture
Lar is a city where history whispers through its traditional bazaars, centuries-old caravanserais, mosques, ancient ramparts, bizarre-shaped cisterns, and above all, the warm hospitality of its residents. The city’s amalgam of new and old constructions creates a unique rhythm that makes every corner worth discovering.
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2024-11-12 17:18
Hasht Behesht: a jewel of Safavid architecture in Isfahan
TEHRAN – Standing tall in the heart of Isfahan, Hasht Behesht (“Eight Paradises”) is a must-see historic mansion and a captivating reminder of Iran’s Safavid era.
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2024-09-16 17:58
Climate change impact on Iran’s cultural heritage debated by task force
TEHRAN – On Monday, the first meeting of the Climate Change and Cultural Heritage Task Force was convened in Tehran.
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2024-09-09 18:17
By Afshin Majlesi
From salt domes to sand sculptures: Iran’s geological gems await
TEHRAN – Imagine exploring a land where geological wonders stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most renowned natural sites in the world.
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2024-08-27 18:08
By Afshin Majlesi
Affordable adventures await in these six must-visit cities
TEHRAN - With a history stretching back over 6,000 years, Iran is one of the world’s most appealing destinations for budget-conscious travelers.
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2024-08-07 18:03
Naqsh-e Jahan: a journey through Isfahan’s architectural marvel
TEHRAN – Located in the heart of Isfahan, the ancient city that graces the crossroads of Iran’s north-south and east-west routes, Naqsh-e Jahan is jewel of the Safavid era (1501-1736).
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2024-07-31 17:59
Tehran street leads visitors to unique blend of religious harmony
TEHRAN - Si-e Tir, a cobblestone one-way street stretching northward, is renowned as a unique reflection of religious diversity in the bustling heart of the Iranian capital.
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2024-07-27 18:14
Iran's Ecbatana added to UNESCO World Heritage list
TEHRAN – Ecbatana, a treasured ancient city of Iran known for its profound historical and cultural significance, has been officially inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
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2024-07-21 17:34
By Afshin Majlesi
Opportunities and challenges awaiting new minister of tourism and cultural heritage
As Iran stands on the cusp of forming its new cabinet, journalists and experts are urgently calling for the selection of a highly capable and adept minister to lead the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.
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2024-07-16 18:38
By M.A. Saki
Belarus is a hidden gem
MINSK – On July 7, as the sun was setting, a tall and thin young man was waiting for me from Iran and another journalist from Kazakhstan at Minsk airport. He said I welcome you to Belarus on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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2024-07-13 17:46
Explore Sepahsalar mosque-school in downtown Tehran
TEHRAN – Located in the bustling heart of Tehran, the Sepahsalar mosque-school stands as a magnificent testament to Persian architectural ingenuity and cultural heritage.
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2024-06-11 17:25
By Afshin Majlesi
Wonders of Uzbekistan: a ten-day travel experience
From my childhood, the names of Samarkand and Bukhara have been etched into my memory; whether in poems, school classes, grandmother’s tales, or stories in my books, those names always lingered in the back of my mind.
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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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2024-05-10 17:37
UNESCO-listed Sassanian landscape to undergo restoration
TEHRAN – Fars’s tourism chief has announced plans to restore the UNESCO-registered Sassanid Archaeological Landscape, which is situated in the southern Iranian province.
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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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2024-04-23 17:17
By Afshin Majlesi
Dry river, sinking city: urgent measures needed to save Isfahan’s heritage
Accompanied by a group of journalists, we recently embarked on a journey to explore the Zayandeh-Rud river, tracing its origins near Zard-Kuh, a sub-range in the central Zagros range in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, all the way to the ancient city of Isfahan.
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2024-04-15 18:06
Tourist arrivals in Iran tops six million in year
TEHRAN - More than six million foreign tourists arrived by air, road, and sea in Iran during the past Iranian calendar year, which came to an end on March 19.
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2024-04-07 17:28
Hamedan’s attractions draw in 900,000 visitors
TEHRAN – Dating historical roots back to the time of Medes, Hamedan’s attractions have received approximately 900,000 visits from domestic travelers along with hundreds of inbound tourists throughout the Nowruz holidays.
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2024-04-07 17:28
Iran to hold special tourism workshops in 20 provinces
TEHRAN - In a bid to enhance the quality of services provided to tourists, Iran’s tourism ministry is set to organize a series of training workshops soon.
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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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2024-03-31 07:48
By Afshin Majlesi
Iranian families to mark Sizdeh Bedar differently amid Ramadan observance
As the joyous spring festival of Nowruz nears its culmination with the traditional celebration of Sizdeh Bedar, many Iranian families are preparing to observe the occasion in an exclusive manner this year, due to its overlap with the holy month of Ramadan.
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2024-03-29 07:47
Fahraj chosen as target village for rural tourism
TEHRAN - In a recent announcement by Mohammad-Ali Shahhosseini, the Deputy for Economic and Tourism Affairs of the Yazd Governorate, Fahraj village has been designated as a target village for rural tourism.
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2024-02-03 18:46
By Afshin Majlesi
Beyond souvenirs: tourism as catalyst for handicrafts economy
Iran, a country steeped in rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and traditions, seeks to rebuild a strong alliance between its budding tourism and vibrant handicrafts.