Tehran to host UN Tourism’s forum on urban tourism

Tehran, Iran – The UN Tourism, in collaboration with Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, will host the UN Tourism Global Forum on Urban Tourism in Tehran from June 24 to 25.

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.

Groundbreaking discovery in northern Persian Gulf sheds new light on early human migration

TEHRAN - A major archaeological discovery in the northern hinterlands of the Persian Gulf is transforming our understanding of early human migration into Asia.

Iran, Egypt to begin tourist exchanges soon: cultural heritage minister

TEHRAN--Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, announced the beginning of tourism exchange between Iran and Egypt in near future.

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.

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.

Archaeologists uncover potential evidence of early maritime activity in southern Iran

TEHRAN - Recent excavations at Iran’s Kopal archaeological site have revealed artifacts that could shed new light on early maritime practices, though researchers emphasize the need for further analysis.

Symbolic Chogan match held in Naqsh-e Jahan Sq. to celebrate Cultural Heritage Week

TEHRAN - A symbolic match of Chogan, the ancient Iranian horse-riding game accompanied by music and storytelling, was held inside the gigantic UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan on Saturday.

Land subsidence threatens Achaemenid sites in southern Iran

TEHRAN - Experts have raised alarms over accelerating land subsidence near two of Iran’s most iconic archaeological sites – Naqsh-e Rostam, the necropolis of the Achaemenid kings, and Persepolis, the UNESCO-registered ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire – as unsustainable agricultural practices continue in the fertile plains of Fars province.

Global registration of Gorgan Great Wall on Cultural Heritage Ministry’s agenda

TEHRAN - Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage Ali Darabi announced that preparing a comprehensive dossier on the Great Wall of Gorgan is underway, aiming for its potential inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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.

3,200-year-old Iron Age woman's skeleton discovered in northern Iran

TEHRAN – A team of archaeologists has uncovered the 3,200-year-old skeleton of a woman in a rural district in northern Iran.

WAC issues urgent statement on Gaza cultural heritage crisis

TEHRAN - The World Archaeological Congress (WAC), a leading international body of archaeologists committed to human rights and the protection of cultural heritage, has issued a powerful statement addressing the deepening humanitarian and cultural crisis in Gaza.

Tehran museum to host workshop on AI and content creation in museums

TEHRAN - In celebration of International Museum Day, Iran’s National Museum of Science and Technology will host a two-day collaborative workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence and Content Creation in Museums” on May 20 and 21 (30–31 Ordibehesht), in partnership with ICOM Iran.

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.

Hegmataneh Museum unveils golden artifacts to mark Intl. Museum Day

TEHRAN - In celebration of International Museum Day, the Hegmataneh Museum in Hamedan province has unveiled three exquisite golden artifacts, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Iran’s rich cultural heritage spanning millennia.

Iran is a roofless museum, deputy cultural heritage minister says

TEHRAN - Iran is like a roofless museum in terms of cultural and historical assets and values, said the country’s Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage.

Commemorative stamp honoring Persepolis Fortification Tablets unveiled

TEHRAN - On Sunday, May 18, coinciding with International Museum Day, a ceremony was held at the National Museum of Iran to unveil a commemorative stamp honoring the Persepolis Fortification Tablets.

Zarif highlights Kish Island’s potential in Halal tourism

TEHRAN - Mohammad Javad Zarif, who served as Iranian foreign minister from 2013 to 2021, has emphasized the importance of promoting Kish Island’s strengths in the fields of Halal and targeted tourism, highlighting its potential to attract Muslim travelers.

Archaeologists uncover prehistoric fishing evidence in southeast Iran

TEHRAN - Archaeologists have discovered compelling evidence of ancient fishing and maritime activities along Makran coasts in southeastern Iran.

Kandelous village in northern Iran implements accessible tourism measures

TEHRAN - Kandelous village in Mazandaran province has become one of Iran’s pioneering rural destinations to successfully implement “accessible tourism” initiatives, according to Mehdi Es’haqi, the deputy provincial tourism chief.