Tehran-Kashan tourist train launched after years of halt

TEHRAN – A special tourist train connecting Tehran to Kashan has commenced service following years of pause.

Isfahan’s handicraft exports stand at $7.6m in 9 months

TEHRAN – The value of Isfahan province’s handicrafts exports stood at $7.6 million during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year 1403 (Mar. 20 – Dec. 20, 2024), the deputy provincial tourism chief has said.

Redesign of Persepolis Museum underway

TEHRAN - The head of the Persepolis Museum has announced the initiation of a redesign project aimed at transforming the entire space of the palace attributed to Xerxes I, situated within the UNESCO-registered Persepolis, into a fully functional museum.

Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for traditional felt-making and Tirgan festival

TEHRAN - Two cultural heritage files from Iran, one for traditional felt-making and another for the Tirgan festival, have been submitted for evaluation by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee in 2026.

Tarikhaneh Mosque to host photo exhibit showcasing Damghan’s heritage

TEHRAN - A photography exhibition titled “Timeless Heritage” will be inaugurated at the historic Tarikhaneh Mosque in Damghan on Saturday to commemorate “Tarikhaneh Day”.

Tehran, Dushanbe discuss enhanced tourism, cultural collaboration

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, met with Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Nizomiddin Zohidi, on Tuesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Tehran to discuss strengthening ties in tourism and cultural cooperation.

Intl. tourism in Iran sees modest recovery, still 37% below pre-pandemic levels

TEHRAN - Iran hosted over 3.1 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2024, a 37% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to updated figures from the UN Tourism.

200 restoration projects conducted on Isfahan’s historical monuments in nine months

TEHRAN - Over 200 restoration projects aimed at preserving the historical monuments of Isfahan province were implemented during the first nine months of the current Iranian year (starting March 20, 2024), with a total expenditure of two trillion rials, according to the provincial cultural heritage department spokesperson.

Photo exhibit celebrates 70 years of restoration at Soltanieh Dome

TEHRAN – A photo exhibition commemorating seven decades of restoration efforts at the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Oljaytu, better known as the Soltanieh Dome, was inaugurated at the Faculty of Architecture and Art of Zanjan University on Tuesday.

Preservation initiatives underway for ancient Istakhr

TEHRAN - The ancient city of Istakhr, once a royal residence for the Sassanid kings of Persia and located near the UNESCO-registered Persepolis, is undergoing significant preservation efforts, according to the tourism chief of Fars province.

Afghanistan’s cultural night held in Tehran       

TEHRAN - The ECO Cultural Institute hosted the “Afghanistan Cultural Night & Celebration of New Year 2025” on Monday evening.

Azarbaijan Museum: a treasure of history in Tabriz

TEHRAN - Located in the historical city of Tabriz, the Azarbaijan Museum is one of Iran’s most significant cultural landmarks and a must-visit destination for history and art enthusiasts.

By Afshin Majlesi

National Document for Handicrafts Development unveiled

TEHRAN - The unveiling ceremony for the National Document for the Development of Handicrafts was held on Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

Restoration of Manujan fortress in southern Iran begins

TEHRAN - Manujan Fortress, a ruined rampart believed to date from the Sassanid era in the southern Kerman province, has undergone restoration.

Rare Safavid carpets put on show at Tehran museum

TEHRAN - The Iran Carpet Museum hosted a ceremony unveiling two exquisite Safavid-era carpets, drawing the attention of over 150 scholars, artists, and carpet enthusiasts.

104% growth in intl. tourists visiting Kish Island

TEHRAN - The CEO of Kish Free Zone Organization, Mohammad Kabiri, has said that during the last month, the number of foreign tourists who visited the Island has registered 104% growth.

Iran could be highly attractive to Thai tourists, official says

TEHRAN - In a meeting with managers of Thai travel agencies, Mehdi Zare’ Bieib, Iran’s Cultural Counselor in Thailand, has emphasized the potential of tourism collaboration as a bridge to enhance cultural ties, friendship, and economic growth between the two nations.

Kam Duzi: a traditional embroidery long practiced across Hormozgan province

TEHRAN – Kam Duzi, also known as Kameh Duzi or Kaman Duzi, is a unique form of embroidery practiced in various regions and villages of Hormozgan province in southern Iran.

Traces of large-scale Sasanian agricultural estate discovered in southern Iran

TEHRAN - A significant Sasanian agricultural estate, or dastgerd, featuring multiple gardens and kushks, has been identified in Mohammadabad-Baghdasht Plain, situated in Fars province, southern Iran.

Iran drafts roadmap for tourism dedicated to ACD member states

TEHRAN - Iran has prepared a draft roadmap to bolster tourism among member states of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), according to Moslem Shojaei, chair of the ACD Tourism and Culture Committee.

Rally of vintage cars reaches Gilan province

TEHRAN - A car tourism rally, featuring 40 vintage vehicles, commenced its journey from Tehran to the northern Gilan province on Tuesday.

Relics recently unearthed in southern Sistan unveiled

TEHRAN - The unveiling ceremony of ancient discoveries from southern Sistan, a vast region in Sistan-Baluchestan province, was held Thursday at the Great Museum of Zahedan, attracting local officials and cultural heritage enthusiasts.

‘UNESCO-listed Armenian Monastic Ensembles in good condition’

TEHRAN – The director of the World Heritage base for the Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran has assured that its five UNESCO-registered churches and chapels are well-preserved and active.

Iran plans new tourist pathway linking Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Naqsh-e Rajab

TEHRAN - The Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Directorate of Fars province has announced the design of a new 6-kilometer tourist pathway connecting three of Iran’s most iconic archaeological sites: Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Naqsh-e Rajab.

Tourism minister highlights plans to boost international arrivals

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has announced ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at removing obstacles to international tourism in the country.

Discover intricate craftsmanship and vibrant designs of Hamedan carpets

TEHRAN - Hamedan carpets, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and vibrant designs, have a long-standing heritage in Iran's carpet weaving tradition.