Ardabil to develop tourism-focused villages, boost infrastructure

TEHRAN - Ardabil province is moving forward with plans to organize rural areas around tourism development, allocating funding to designated villages and prioritizing infrastructure projects to support the sector, local officials said on Saturday.

Minister urges banks to boost investment in rural tourism to drive jobs

TEHRAN – Iran’s minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts on Sunday called on the banking sector to play a greater role in financing rural tourism projects, saying the sector could support employment and economic development. 

‘Sarborun’ ritual of Varamin’s village registered as an intangible heritage

TEHRAN – A local ritual known as ‘Sarborun’ in Hesar-e Hasan Beyk village of Varamin county, Tehran province, has been registered as an intangible heritage site.

Layalestan registered as Iran's bamboo weaving village

TEHRAN -- Director General of Gilan Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department Yousef Salmankhah announced national registration of Leyalestan village in Gilan province as Iran's bamboo weaving village.

Ancient rock-cut grain stores highlight tourism potential of Ilam village

TEHRAN - An Iranian village in Ilam province is drawing attention for a series of rock-cut grain storage structures believed to be up to 800 years old

Digi and glimpses of culinary heritage in Qaleh Bala village

TEHRAN – A traditional dish known as Digi, prepared using a centuries-old method in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, offers insight into the area’s indigenous culinary culture, reflecting local knowledge, communal practices and social traditions passed down through generations.

Restoration work begins on centuries-old water mill

TEHRAN - Restoration and revitalization work has begun on an ancient water mill in Qaleh Bala, a touristic village in Shahrud county of Semnan province, according to the local heritage authority.

By Hani Rastegaran

Qaleh Bala Village: a model of solidarity, creativity, and local development

TEHRAN - Qaleh Bala, a village nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Shahvar where the dry expanse of the desert blends into the wind‑shaped hills of the Kharturan buffer zone, has become one of the most remarkable examples of community‑based rural development in Iran. Its people, who have long struggled with drought, isolation, and lack of infrastructure, have relied on social cohesion and a series of small yet persistent innovations to transform what was once a depopulating settlement into a destination for community‑led ecotourism.

Varkaneh: a Renaissance village in heart of Alvand

TEHRAN-- In the lap of the beautiful Alvand Mountain and 20 kilometers from Hamedan, there is a village that its architecture reflects a picture of Europe during the Renaissance. This village is one of the most unique villages in Iran, with its houses made of stone and its buildings made of rubble stone, wood and mud mortar.

Two Lorestan villages can be nominated for world’s top tourist villages

TEHRAN—There are 11 target tourist villages across Lorestan province, of which two villages, namely Bisheh and Kapar Judaki, have the potential to be nominated for registration in the world's top tourist villages list.

Long-lasting mulberry tree registered on Natural Heritage List

TEHRAN - Isfahan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department Amir Karamzadeh gave news of the registration of the ancient mulberry tree of Sarasiab village in Badrud, Natanz county, Isfahan province, on Iran’s Natural Heritage List.

Baba Shams hill links history, nature, and agriculture in Ilam

TEHRAN – Scattered pottery fragments, historic aqueducts, and the proximity of the Karzan River point to ancient settlements at Baba Shams hill, located on the western edge of a village of the same name, according to Habibollah Mahmoudian, a specialist in prehistoric archaeology.

Cool escapes from Tehran's summer heat: destinations to visit

TEHRAN - As the summer sun blazes over Tehran, many residents and visitors alike search for refreshing retreats to escape the heat.

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.

Sohaili Village: a culinary jewel in Qeshm Island

TEHRAN – Located along the southern coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island, Sohaili Village has carved out a reputation as one of the Persian Gulf’s premier destinations for culinary tourism.

Iranian village showcased as sustainable tourism model at BRICS meeting

TEHRAN - The historical stepped village of Palangan in Iran’s Kordestan province was introduced as a successful example of sustainable tourism that preserves local culture and heritage during a BRICS meeting held in Brazil on Monday.