By Afshin Majlesi

How Iran’s Kordasht is a beacon for heritage tourism

JOLFA – Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Iran’s East Azarbaijan province, the village of Kordasht serves as a living monument to history. It resonates with the courage of Iranian soldiers who defended their homeland against Tsarist Russian invasions over the decades.

Anthony Shirley's portrait restored and unveiled at Ali Qapu Palace

TEHRAN - A historic wall painting depicting the English diplomat Sir Anthony Shirley (1565–1635) has been restored and returned to its original location at the centuries-old Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan.

Timurid edifice near UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square to undergo restoration

TEHRAN - Mohammad-Ali Izadkhasti, CEO of the Urban Revitalization Organization of Isfahan, has announced plans for an urgent restoration project on the “Timurid Hall” located within the ancient city.

Glimpses of carpet weaving in Khorasan Razavi province

TEHRAN – Carpet weaving in Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi province in northeast Iran, dates back to the Safavid Dynasty, as documented historical records suggest.

Excavations at Milmiluneh reveal pottery from Sassanid to Safavid eras

TEHRAN – Recent excavations at the Milmiluneh site, Situated in Markazi province, have unearthed a tapestry of pottery spanning from the Sassanid to Safavid periods, shedding new light on the site’s historical significance.

17th-century caravanserai to be entrusted to private investors for better restoration and upkeep

TEHRAN - Titi Caravanserai, which is one of the oldest historical inns in northern Iran, is set to be temporarily handed over to the private sector aimed to receive better restoration and maintenance.

Historical elements unearthed in Qazvin’s Safavid court

TEHRAN – Arrays of historical elements, estimated to date from the Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras, have recently been unearthed at the Dolatkhaneh of Qazvin, which was once a royal complex in the ancient Iranian city.

Special Exhibition at National Museum celebrates Muharram symbols

TEHRAN- The National Museum of Iran has unveiled the exhibition, “Alam and Tuq: Symbols and Allegory of Muharram,” in honor of the Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which was martyred on the tenth day of the lunar month in 680 CE. 

Seyyed Mosque: restoration in progress but unified efforts essential

TEHRAN – Isfahan’s cultural heritage directorate has begun restoration work on the Seyyed Mosque, which is under significant stress due to landslide forces. However, unified efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to safeguard this 19th-century monument.

Iconic Si-o-Se Pol undergoes restoration

TEHRAN – The upper deck of the historical Si-o-Se Pol bridge, an architectural gem in Isfahan, has undergone comprehensive restoration for the first time in a decade.

Restoration completed on rooftops around UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Sq.

TEHRAN – Restoration work has been completed on the rooftops of a centuries-old bazaar, situated around the UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan.

Nomadic arts: discover rich tradition of Gabbeh carpets

TEHRAN - Gabbeh is a simple and colorful hand-knotted textile with a pile of long threads. It is exclusively made by the nomadic people of southern Iran and is used as a floor covering.

400-year-old caravanserai to transform into cultural hub for handicrafts

TEHRAN - In a groundbreaking development, the deserted Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Karaj is up for a transformative journey as local authorities announce plans to lease the historical site to private investors.

Investigation underway for metro crossing near UNESCO-registered mosque in Isfahan

TEHRAN - The possibility of the metro line crossing in proximity to the UNESCO-designated Jameh Mosque of Isfahan is currently under examination by the Iran University of Science and Technology.

17th-century caravanserai undergoes restoration

TEHRAN - The second phase of restoration work has been commenced on Aveh Caravanserai, a 17th-century monument in Saveh county of Markazi province.

Exhibit explores treasured Ganjali Khan complex over time

TEHRAN – On Monday, a photo exhibition featuring old and fresh pictures of the 17th-century Ganjali Khan complex opened to the public in Harandi Garden Museum in Kerman province, southern Iran.

400-year-old Jolfa Square to undergo restoration

TEHRAN – Isfahan’s tourism chief has revealed plans for the restoration of Jolfa Square, which is a gateway to a touristic Armenian neighborhood in the ancient city.

400-year-old Iranian carpet up for sale at Christie’s in London

TEHRAN – A majestic Persian carpet, handwoven some 400 years ago during the Safavid era, is up for sale at Christie’s in London with a pre-sale estimate of £2-3 million.

Khosro Mosque restoration ends

TEHRAN—A project to restore the interior spaces of the 18th-century Khosro Mosque of Ardestan in central Iran to its former glory is nearing completion.

Ruins of brick houses, estimated to date from Safavid era, unearthed in northern Iran

TEHRAN—Archaeologists have discovered ruins of several brick houses in Rasht, the capital of Gilan province in northern Iran. The ruins, based on their initial estimate, date back to the Safavid era (1501-1736).

Forgotten lusterware revived by Natanz potters

TEHRAN — Reproduction of Persian lusterware ceramics, also known as Zarrin-fam potteries, has been commenced after centuries of neglect by a number of potters in Natanz, central Iran.

Chehel Sotoun, where Safavid kings received dignitaries and ambassadors, undergoes restoration

TEHRAN—Restoration work commenced on the lavishly decorated terrace of Chehel Sotoun, where Shah Abbas II and his successors received dignitaries and ambassadors in the 17th century.

Jameh Mosque of Semnan undergoes rooftop restoration

TEHRAN – A team of restorers has commenced work on the rooftop of Semnan Jameh Mosque, which is one of the earliest mosques built in Iran.

17th-century Aveh caravansary undergoes restoration

TEHRAN —Restoration work has commenced on the 17th-century Aveh caravansary, one of the 999 massive inns constructed upon the order of Shah Abbas, the Safavid monarch, aimed to develop tourism and trade across Iran.

Ancient antiquities confiscated by border security forces

TEHRAN - Iranian authorities have confiscated hundreds of relics, some of which date from the Parthian and Seleucid eras, from a cargo intended to be shipped from a southern port to the UAE.