Muharram rituals: thousands of pilgrims walk to Imam Reza shrine

TEHRAN – Around 7,000 pilgrims traveled on foot to the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad to commemorate Tasu’a and Ashura, two of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam.

Police recover 21 Ilkhanid-era coins in northern Iran

TEHRAN — Iranian police have recovered 21 ancient coins believed to date back to the Ilkhanid era during a vehicle search near the city of Faruj in North Khorasan province, northeastern Iran.

Poet Heydar Yaghma’s tomb restored

TEHRAN - The tomb of contemporary Persian poet Heydar Yaghma (1924–1984) has recently undergone a restoration project, according to the head of Neyshabur’s office for cultural heritage.

Most world heritage sites at risk from drought or flooding: UNESCO

TEHRAN – Nearly three-quarters of the world’s cultural and natural heritage sites are under threat due to either drought or flooding, according to a report released Tuesday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Qazvin’s threefold strategy for tourism highlighted during ministerial visit

TEHRAN - The Governor-General of Qazvin province, Mohammad Nozari, has emphasized a comprehensive three-pronged approach to advancing tourism in the province, encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.

Iran seeks investors to revive 41 heritage sites in 16 provinces

TEHRAN – Iran’s revitalization fund for historical and cultural places has announced the launch of a major public auction aimed at attracting investors to restore, preserve, and make productive use of 41 historical sites located in 16 provinces across the country.

Mashhad airport resumes flights to 12 intl. destinations amid post-conflict recovery

TEHRAN - Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport has resumed flight operations to 12 international and 3 domestic destinations, as the region emerges from a tense 12-day conflict between Iran and the Zionist regime of Israel.

Alamut Castle nears UNESCO World Heritage status, tourism minister says

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced on Tuesday that the historic Alamut Castle is on the verge of possibly being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Virtual tours now available for Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex

TEHRAN - In response to the current closure of historical sites in Iran, the Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex has launched a free 360-degree virtual tour, allowing users to explore the historic palace and its museums from anywhere in the world.

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.

Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Iran on June 30

TEHRAN – Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, will resume flights to Iran on Monday, June 30, after a temporary suspension prompted by regional conflict and security concerns.

By Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

The story of Sassanid king and blacksmith’s beautiful sword

Ages ago, a blacksmith presented a very beautiful sword to the Sassanid king Shahpour.

Funding allocated to equip private museums in Sistan-Baluchestan

TEHRAN - Authorities in Sistan-Baluchestan have announced the allocation of dedicated funding to equip private museums in the southeastern province of Iran.

Imam Mosque’s massive dome undergoes restoration

TEHRAN - A new restoration initiative has begun to address possible deterioration in the intricate tilework adorning the grand dome of the 17th-century Imam Mosque of Isfahan, also known as Masjed Jameh Abbasi.

Taleqan dam lake: a gem of tranquility and adventure in Alborz Mountains

TEHRAN – Situated in the heart of the southern foothills of the Alborz Mountains in Alborz province, Taleqan dam lake is one of the most beautiful and underrated tourist attractions in the region.

NGOs urge UNESCO to act against Israeli attacks threatening Iran’s cultural heritage

TEHRAN - A coalition of 51 Iranian non-governmental organizations dedicated to cultural heritage and tourism has sent a formal letter to UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay, condemning Israeli airstrikes on Iran and warning of their severe threat to the country’s invaluable cultural and historical sites.

Mazandaran announces tourism discounts for war-affected citizens

TEHRAN – Mazandaran’s governor-general, Mehdi Younesi-Rostami, has announced that tourism and hospitality centers across the northern province are offering special discounts ranging from 10 to 50 percent for citizens affected by the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel.

No damage reported to Iran’s museums and historical sites, deputy minister confirms

TEHRAN - Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage has confirmed that no damage has been reported to the country’s museums or historical assets during the recent 12-day war with Israel, which came to a ceasefire early Tuesday.

Tourism site inspired by UNESCO-listed Persian Garden design inaugurated

TEHRAN – On Tuesday, a new tourism attraction modeled on the core principles of the UNESCO-recognized Persian Garden was officially inaugurated in the city of Shahrekord, the capital of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, western Iran.

Echoes of the past: silver plate with lion hunt scene

The pictured silver plate of ancient Iran depicts a royal horseman engaged in a lion hunt.

Heritage specialists condemn Israeli attacks as assault on cultural legacy

TEHRAN - In a public appeal, a group of Iranian museum professionals has condemned Israel’s recent military strikes against Iran, describing the attacks as a grave violation of international law and an assault on the shared cultural heritage of humanity.

Iran evacuates heritage amid Israeli air assault

TEHRAN - Facing an ongoing Israeli air campaign, Iran has undertaken an unprecedented emergency operation to safeguard its most valuable cultural treasures.

By Afshin Majlesi

Shams Tabrizi mausoleum gets major boost with new funding

KHOY, West Azarbaijan province – The Iranian government has allocated 30 trillion rials (approximately $375,000) to advance the long-delayed construction of the mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi, the famed Sufi mystic and spiritual mentor of the celebrated Persian poet Rumi.

Sang-e Chakhmaq's 8,000-year-old flute featured in museum's new video project

TEHRAN - The National Museum of Iran, in collaboration with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, has begun producing a series of short videos to introduce its artifacts to the public.

ECO approves Iran’s proposal to implement Carnet de Passages system

TEHRAN - The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has officially approved Iran’s proposal for the implementation of the international Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) system among its member states.

Where history meets healing: Hamedan welcomes ECO member states for major health tourism event

TEHRAN - Hamedan is fully prepared to host the 3rd ECO Confobition on Health Tourism, according to the province’s Governor-General Hamid Molanouri-Shamsi.

Ancient clay jars unearthed following road erosion in western Iran

TEHRAN - Two large clay jars, possibly dating back to prehistoric times, have been discovered in Dehloran county of Ilam province, western Iran.