National Meteorite Secretariat launched in Zarand

TEHRAN—Permanent office of National Meteorite Secretariat was inaugurated in Zarand, Kerman province, as one of the origins of celestial gemstones.

Persian carpets, among the most beautiful in the world

TEHRAN--Persian carpets and rugs are among the most beautiful in the world and a trip to Iran is incomplete without buying a Persian carpet for your home.

Mount Sabalan, the sacred gravity in Iran

TEHRAN--Contrary to common belief, Iran boasts a mountainous terrain enriched by the Alpide belt, giving rise to the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges that span from northwest to southeast. These rugged landscapes not only offer awe-inspiring natural wonders but also hold anthropological attractions, igniting a profound sense of adventure within you.

Yazd historic mansion under restoration to house new heritage museum

TEHRAN – Work has begun on the construction of the Grand Museum of Yazd, a cultural project planned inside a historic mansion in the UNESCO-listed city of Yazd, officials said on Sunday.

Felt making keeps cultural identity alive

TEHRAN—Felt making is one of the ancient arts of Iran which has deep roots in many parts of the country particularly many regions and cities of Khorasan Razavi province such as tribal regions and Neyshabur, Bardaskan, and Kalat.

Iran heritage official responds to concerns over orchestra concert at Persepolis

TEHRAN – An Iranian heritage official said on Monday that a permanent, safe venue will be designated for cultural events at Persepolis after a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra at the ancient site sparked concern among cultural heritage advocates and archaeologists.

Iranian handicrafts put on view at Thessaloniki exhibit

TEHRAN-- The Iranian Cultural Consultant in Greece announced the display of Iranian handicrafts at the 89th International Fair of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, during September 6-14.

Global audiences gain access to Iranian heritage through 24-hour TV

TEHRAN — Meysam Shokripour, manager of Persepolis Internet TV, has said the first 24-hour channel dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, launched less than a year ago, allows audiences worldwide to access Iranian cultural and historical content, including Persepolis, via mobile phones, computers and smart TVs.

Garmsar eyes turning salt mines into tourist attractions

TEHRAN — Garmsar Governor Ali Hemmati has announced plans to develop several salt mines into tourist attractions as part of the city’s priority programs.

Archaeologists evacuate Gaza artefacts from storehouse threatened by Israeli strike

TEHRAN – Archaeologists evacuated nearly three decades of finds from a Gaza City building on Wednesday after Israeli authorities warned it would be targeted in an air strike, officials said.

Kordestan, a hidden treasure in west of Iran

TEHRAN—Kordestan is an area with ancient history and culture, breathtaking nature and hospitable people. It is a province which boasts soaring mountains, terraced villages, authentic Kordish music, and lasting handicrafts. It has an unparalleled capacity to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Ceramic center inaugurated at Hamedan university

TEHRAN – A new cultural project titled “Ceramic Land: The Embrace of Art, the House of Creativity and Innovation in Ceramic Art” has recently been inaugurated at Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan.

Iran attends Chandi Summit 2025 in Indonesia

TEHRAN— Hojjatollah Ayyubi, who heads the Tourism Ministry’s Center for International Affairs, arrived Bali on Monday to attend Chandi Summit 2025, which will take place from September 3-5, 2025, at the Bali Beach Convention.

Isfahan tourism festival begins with 90 events

TEHRAN— An enormous tourism festival in Isfahan has commenced to highlight the endless charms of the province, whose capital of the same name was the seat of power in the 17th century.

100 historical coins unearthed from Kamar-Zarrin site of Isfahan

TEHRAN—Archaeologists have identified 100 historical coins during their second season of excavations in Kamar-Zarrin site in the ancient city of Isfahan, said Director General of Isfahan Cultural Heritage Department Amir Karamzadeh on Monday.

Visit to museums free for families with three children, pregnant women

TEHRAN-- Visiting the museums, heritage sites, and historical sites under the Ministry of Cultural Heritage is free for families with three or more children and pregnant women accompanied by one person, the deputy minister of cultural heritage has said.

22 tourism, handicrafts projects to be inaugurated in Semnan

TEHRAN—Head of Semnan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department Bahman Akhlaqi said that 22 projects regarding tourism and handicrafts sectors will be inaugurated across the province during the Government Week (September 23-29).

Only 10 historical houses in Lar registered nationally, official says

TEHRAN – Around 50 historical houses have been identified in the old quarters of Lar, in the southern province of Fars, but only 10 have been inscribed on the national heritage list, the provincial cultural heritage director said on Saturday.

Traditional games seen as a path to boost tourism and preserve local culture

TEHRAN – Traditional games rooted in Iran’s cultural heritage could serve as both a tool for preserving local identity and a driver of sustainable tourism, according to new research focused on Yazd province.

Ardabil Friday Mosque under restoration with credit worth over $333,000

TEHRAN--The restoration of the Friday Mosque of Ardabil in northwest of Iran has been realized after years of waiting, and this valuable historical mosque was placed in the hands of restorers with a credit of 300 billion rials ($333,333), said the deputy head of Ardabil Cultural Heritage Department.

Cultural heritage bell to be rung in schools

TEHRAN—Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi said that the cultural heritage bell will be rung in schools across Iran as of September 23 of this year so that the new generation can connect with the country's historical identity, Mehr news agency reported.

Trans-Iranian Railway among top 5 registered by UNESCO

TEHRAN—Only five railways are on the UNESCO list, which are from Austria, India, Switzerland, Italy, and Iran, said Vahidali Qardashi, head of the World Heritage Site of the Trans-Iranian Railway.

Gaza’s cultural heritage under threat: experts warn of systematic erasure of Palestinian memory

TEHRAN – The Gaza Strip, a land steeped in millennia of history, is facing what experts describe as an unprecedented assault on its cultural heritage, with archaeologists warning that the destruction of ancient sites, museums, and archives risks erasing Palestinian historical memory entirely.

Tehran museum to host festival of Arbaeen heritage

TEHRAN – An international festival dedicated to Arbaeen heritage is scheduled to take place on July 21-22 at the National Museum of the Islamic Revolution and Sacred Defense in Tehran.

By Afshin Majlesi

Cultural heritage is a voice against hostile narratives, Iran tourism minister says

TEHRAN – In a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, along with his deputies, addressed the ministry’s role in shaping cultural resilience during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.

Blue Shield! Does it shield Iran’s cultural heritage in wartime?

TEHRAN--Wars destroy not only people but also culture, historical memory, and identity of nations, and in the meantime, the “Blue Shield” can be a kind of shield against the cultural heritage of any country.

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.

19 Muharram-mourning elements made national heritage

TEHRAN – A selection of 19 religious and cultural traditions associated with the mourning rituals of Muharram in the northern Gilan province have been inscribed on Iran’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a local official announced on Monday.

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.