By Afshin Majlesi

Iran and Uzbekistan: Where shared history comes alive in Tashkent

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - As an Iranian journalist visiting Tashkent, I found myself looking at the huge Islamic Civilization Center from two perspectives. I was a visitor discovering the depth of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. I was also an Iranian looking for familiar traces of a civilization that has never respected the borders drawn on today’s maps.

By Afshin Majlesi

North Khorasan, the province I almost missed

TEHRAN - A friend’s suggestion was all it took to set me on the road to North Khorasan, one of the few Iranian provinces I had never visited and, until then, had rarely considered as a travel destination.

By Afshin Majlesi

Jajarm offers budget-friendly rural escape, but rail links need improvement

JAJARM, North Khorasan Province – With its quiet rural surroundings, historical railway station and proximity to protected natural areas, Jajarm has the potential to attract travelers seeking an affordable alternative to Iran’s busier tourist destinations. But poor railway facilities, limited train tickets and a shortage of visitor services remain major obstacles to turning that potential into a thriving tourism destination.

By Afshin Majlesi

Isfahan Music Museum: A journey into Iran’s musical heritage

TEHRAN - Isfahan, one of Iran’s most celebrated historic cities, is renowned for its grand mosques, palaces, bridges and traditional arts. Once the capital of Iran during the Safavid era, the city remains one of the country’s most important cultural and tourism destinations. Beyond its better-known monuments, however, Isfahan also offers visitors a more intimate way to explore Iranian culture: through music.

Qom: A province of ancient beacons along historic routes

TEHRAN - Scattered across the mountains, plains and historic routes of Qom province, a group of ancient Meels, standalone beacon towers once used to guide travelers and caravans, offers a distinctive glimpse into the history of travel and communication in central Iran.

By Afshin Majlesi

From rail to coast and wellness: A new tourism chain takes shape in northern Iran

TEHRAN - Traveling with a group of fellow journalists from Tehran to Bandar-e Anzali recently offered us more than a two-day tour of tourism projects under development. The journey was designed to show how railway travel, coastal destinations, accommodation, recreation and wellness services could be brought together to form a single tourism experience.

Qaleh Bala: Where community-based governance aligns with wildlife conservation

TEHRAN - The village of Qaleh Bala, located at the “Golden Gate” of Touran National Park, has become a shining model of participatory governance and community-based environmental conservation in Iran.

By Afshin Majlesi

Bajestan: A quiet treasure beyond Iran’s tourist trail

TEHRAN - Set against the plain beauty of eastern Iran’s desert landscapes, the ancient city of Bajestan remains one of the lesser-known destinations of the country, despite possessing a remarkable combination of history, architecture, and natural scenery.

By Afshin Majlesi

Sarakhieh, Iran’s little Venice

At first, it is hard to believe such a place exists in Iran. But deep inside the vast Shadegan wetland in Khuzestan province, there is a village where water is the main road and boats replace cars. This village is Sarakhieh, often called Iran’s “Little Venice.”

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran, a paradise for nature lovers

TEHRAN - A land of remarkable natural diversity, Iran boasts a great range of natural diversity. From high mountain peaks and peaceful forests to golden deserts and vibrant wetlands, the country has something unique to offer every nature lover.

By Afshin Majlesi

Susa: Walking through one of the world’s oldest cities

Visiting Susa was like stepping into a living history book. From the moment I arrived in this ancient city in southwest Iran, I felt I was walking through layers of time, each step revealing traces of civilizations that shaped human history.