Archaeologists uncover ancient iron production site south of Lake Urmia

TEHRAN - For the first time, archaeologists have discovered a historic iron production site in the Vesta Sheikh area south of Lake Urmia, northwest Iran.

Heritage official highlights significance of Konar Sandal archaeological site

TEHRAN - Mostafa Dehpahlavan, head of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, has emphasized the importance of archaeological excavations at the Bronze Age site of Konar Sandal in southern Iran’s Jiroft region.

Iran to introduce tourist cards for foreign visitors: Minister

TEHRAN – Iran plans to issue “tourist cards” for foreign visitors to facilitate currency exchange during their stay, according to Reza Salehi-Amiri, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

Minister underlines marine tourism, soft power and global ties

TEHRAN - In a televised interview on Monday evening, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism, shared insights into the nation’s tourism strategy, highlighting recent achievements and ambitious goals for the future.

National Museum of Iran explores Chinese iron casting legacy

TEHRAN - The specialized seminar titled “Iron Smelting and Casting in Ancient China” was held on Saturday at the National Museum of Iran.

Iranian architect wins 2A Continental Architectural Award for restoring 19th-century house

TEHRAN - Iranian architect Shima Shaigan has been awarded the prestigious first-place gold prize in the Restoration category at the 2A Continental Architectural Awards 2024 for her remarkable work on the Rozas House, a 250-year-old historical building in Kashan, central Iran.

Shiraz, Dushanbe named sister cities

TEHRAN - A sisterhood agreement aimed at enhancing tourism exchange between Iran’s ancient city of Shiraz, and Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has been signed during a ceremony attended by cultural, tourism, and municipal officials from both sides.

By Afshin Majlesi

Culinary heritage of Lar explored at conference in southern Iran

TEHRAN - Lar, a historic city in southern Iran, hosted a culinary conference at the Larestan Science and Technology Tower to examine the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and its potential for food tourism.

170-year-old fragrance of Naser al-Din Shah’s perfume rediscovered

TEHRAN - In an extraordinary discovery, curators at Tehran’s Dafineh Museum recently encountered the lingering scent of a perfume belonging to Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, a ruler of 19th-century Persia, from a bottle crafted nearly 170 years ago.

Shiraz is a safe, promising hub for tourism and investment, Australian ambassador says

TEHRAN - Shiraz, the cultural and historical jewel of southern Iran, recently welcomed Ian McConville, the Australian Ambassador to Iran, during his official visit to the city.

Golden Triangle tourism agreement revived

TEHRAN - The “Golden Triangle” tourism agreement, originally signed in 2016, has been revived by the governors-general of the Iranian provinces of Isfahan, Fars, and Yazd.

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.

Archaeologist calls for increased excavations of Neolithic sites in Kermanshah

TEHRAN - Hojjat Darabi, an archaeologist and faculty member at Razi University in Kermanshah, has called for intensified archaeological excavations in the Kermanshah region, emphasizing its unparalleled significance for understanding the Neolithic era.

Tribal crafts exhibit underway in Bandar Abbas

TEHRAN – A tribal festival featuring a variety of nationwide Iranian handicrafts and souvenirs has opened to the public in Bandar Abbas, an ancient port city in southern Iran.

Tehran to host 9th Fajr Intl. Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival

TEHRAN - The 9th Fajr International Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival, widely known as Sarv-E Simin (“Silver Cypress”), is set to take place in Tehran from February 21 to 24, 2025, celebrating Iran’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

Tehran museum to showcase Qajar-era underglaze pottery and Chinese imitation ceramics

TEHRAN - The Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran is set to host a specialized exhibition and meeting highlighting the Qajar-era art of underglaze pottery and Chinese imitation ceramics crafted by master artisans from Na’in of Iran’s Isfahan province.

Ministry of Cultural Heritage hosts exhibit of wooden crafts and ceramics

TEHRAN - The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has inaugurated its first weekly handicrafts exhibition following the conclusion of the National Handicrafts Exhibition.

Restoration of UNESCO-listed Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman begins

TEHRAN - The restoration and revitalization of the historic Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman, southern Iran, have officially commenced, marking a significant effort to preserve the UNESCO-listed site.

Archaeologists confirm Sassanid temple significance previously discovered in northeast Iran

TEHRAN – Archaeologists have confirmed that a previously discovered site in Bazeh Hur, located approximately 70 km from Mashhad in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province, is one of the largest and most significant Sassanid fire temples in northeastern Iran.

Uncovering secrets of ancient metallurgy in Masouleh region

TEHRAN - Experts believe that the Masouleh landscape in northern Iran is home to numerous metalworking sites, which reflect the region’s rich metal and iron resources and the extensive historical knowledge of its people. “The region transitioned from single-stage iron smelting furnaces to more complex four-stage furnace systems, demonstrating an evolution in smelting techniques over time.”

Iran participates in intl. tourism fair in Ankara

TEHRAN – The Embassy of Iran in Ankara promoted arrays of the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse travel offerings at a recent international tourism fair in the Turkish capital.

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.

Iranian and Chinese archaeologists collaborate on Masuleh highlands excavations

TEHRAN - A team of Iranian researchers and archaeologists, joined by Chinese fellows, has embarked on new excavations in the highlands of Masuleh to uncover the region’s rich metallurgical heritage.

Late Bronze Age discovery in southern Tehran may rewrite ancient Rey’s history

TEHRAN - Archaeologists have uncovered significant evidence of the Late Bronze Age (1900–1500 BC) during recent excavations at the ancient Rashkan fortress in Rey, marking the first discovery of its kind in the region, located south of Tehran.

Restoration of historical pigeon tower completed in Isfahan province

TEHRAN - The restoration of the iconic Chehel Borj (“Forty Towers”) pigeon tower in the village of Kalisan, located in Falavarjan county of Isfahan province, has been successfully completed.

Neyshabur’s ancient rainmaking ritual registered on Iran’s tourism calendar

TEHRAN - The time-honored rainmaking ritual of “Chooli Qazak” in Neyshabur has been officially registered on Iran’s tourism calendar, according to Kamal Khani, the head of the city’s Office for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.

Iran’s Bandar-e Khamir recognized by UNESCO as a Global Learning City

TEHRAN – Bandar-e Khamir, a coastal city in southern Iran, has been named one of 12 exemplary cities in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) for its contributions to lifelong learning and climate action.

Iran to form ‘golden rectangle’ tourism hub in central provinces

TEHRAN - Aiming to boost domestic and international tourism, relevant officials have announced plans to create a “golden rectangle” tourism hub connecting the provinces of Isfahan, Semnan, Markazi, and Qom.

14th annual Isfahan conference highlights city’s heritage

TEHRAN - The 14th annual conference of Isfahan Commemoration Week took place on Thursday evening, coinciding with Isfahan Day.