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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.