Archaeologists claim to identify site of historic Battle of al-Qadisiyyah using satellite images

TEHRAN - A team of archaeologists claims to have identified the location of the historic Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, fought in c. 636 CE between Iran’s Sasanian Empire and an invading Arab army in present-day Iraq.

Over 400,000 pilgrims expected to walk to Imam Reza shrine for martyrdom anniversary

TEHRAN - Today marks the 30th day of the lunar month of Safar, commemorated as the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam. In observance of this solemn occasion, a significant number of pilgrims have embarked on a spiritual journey on foot to his holy shrine in Mashhad. 

Iran considers 34 mosques for potential UNESCO World Heritage label

TEHRAN – Iran has taken a significant step towards the potential registration of its historical mosques as a collective property on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Tehran festival delves into Arbaeen heritage among nations

TEHRAN – The first international event dedicated to Arbaeen heritage took place in Tehran, bringing together scholars, researchers, and experts to explore the cultural and historical significance of the religious occasion which marks the culmination of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussain (AS), the third Shia Imam.

Tehran seeks to expand tourism relations with Indonesia

TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy tourism minister has highlighted opportunities to expand tourism relations between the Islamic Republic and Indonesia.

India moves to implement anti-Muslim law

The Indian government has notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a rare third term for his Hindu nationalist government.

Sunni lawmakers laud cultural coexistence, minister’s efforts for inclusivity

TEHRAN - A recent gesture from a group of Sunni lawmakers in the Iranian Parliament has highlighted Iran’s long-standing legacy of ethnic and religious coexistence.

50 Iranian mosques given national heritage status

TEHRAN – So far, more than 50 mosques across Iran have been registered on the national list for cultural heritage, the deputy tourism minister said.

Iran seeks single UNESCO tag for historical mosques

TEHRAN – The Iranian tourism minister has said his ministry seeks to win a UNESCO label for a selection of its historical mosques.

Collector donates silver coins to Mashhad museum

TEHRAN – An Iranian collector has donated over 500 ancient silver coins to the Astan Quds Razavi Museum located in Mashhad, northeast Iran.

West abuses women’s rights and exploits them as a tool, Raisi says

TEHRAN- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that in contrast to Iran, Western powers violate human rights by using women as a tool and leverage against sovereign states.

Hojjatieh, a prominent seminary in Qom, undergoes restoration

TEHRAN—Work has commenced to restore Hojjatieh madrasa, which is a prominent seminary in Qom.

Iran invites Saudi Arabia to join Iftar nomination for UNESCO label

TEHRAN - Iran has invited Saudi Arabia to join a possible UNESCO listing for Iftar and its socio-cultural traditions, which are shared among Muslim-majority countries.

Arbaeen pilgrimage: Iran thanks Iraq for hospitality

TEHRAN —Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday thanked his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein for great deal of efforts to host millions of Iranian pilgrims who join Arabeen procession.

Over 14 million pilgrims arrive in Karbala on Arbaeen occasion

TEHRAN—The number of pilgrims visiting the holy city of Karbala has exceeded 14 million, the Karbala governor has said.

Mashhad expects travel boom as Iran relaxes COVID rules

TEHRAN—The number of foreign arrivals in Mashhad is expected to double during the last ten days of Safar, the second month of the lunar Islamic calendar in which Shia Muslims hold special mourning services.

Iraq to issue special permits for Iranian pilgrims having no passports

TEHRAN – Iraq considers issuing special permits for Iranian travelers having no passports to enter the neighboring country for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Isfahan, Najaf mayors discuss sister ties between cemeteries

TEHRAN – Isfahan Mayor Ali Ghasemzadeh has met his Najaf counterpart Udai Abdosaheb Tadweer Al Khaledi to discuss broader ties, including a sister agreement between their historic cemeteries, where thousands of prominent figures have been buried.

V&A’s installation evokes memories of first-ever mosque built in the UK

TEHRAN –The Victoria & Albert Museum is playing host to an architectural installation that evokes memories of the first-ever mosque built in the UK. The event is inspired by the holy month of Ramadan.

By Martin Love

If a World War, pushed by U.S., is avoided, real multipolarity and much less conflict is ahead

Few developments are as positive for the Middle East and the Global South than the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations. And better still is that the Chinese, after long discussions between the two countries with Chinese help, brokered the deal.

Police recover ancient coins from antique dealer

TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have seized a collection of centuries-old coins from an antique dealer who had illegally kept the relics.

Tehran, Islamabad on track to expand religious tourism

Tehran – Iran and Pakistan have entered negotiations to enhance religious tourism.