Kamal-ol-Molk mausoleum: a masterpiece of Persian art and architecture

TEHRAN - Nestled in the serene garden in the ancient city of Neyshabur, the Kamal-ol-Molk mausoleum stands as a tribute to one of Iran’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Mohammad Ghaffari, known as Kamal-ol-Molk (1224–1319).

Haj Agha Ali’s house: a glimpse into Iran’s architectural heritage

TEHRAN - Located near Rafsanjan in Kerman province, southern Iran, Haj Agha Ali’s house stands as one of the largest and most striking adobe residences in Iran, attracting visitors with its grandeur and intricate design.

Glimpses of Iranian architecture under Seljuk’s patronage

TEHRAN - The Seljuk Empire, one of the most significant Turco-Persian dynasties, played a crucial role in the revitalization of the Muslim world, and particularly in many Iranian cities, from 1037 to 1194.

By Afshin Majlesi

17th-century Imam Mosque in Isfahan at serious risk

TEHRAN - Isfahan’s historical Masjed-e Jameh Abbasi, also known as the Imam Mosque, is facing a looming crisis, with its structural integrity severely threatened by deep cracks caused by land subsidence and prolonged drought.

Efforts underway for UNESCO registration of Varamin’s 14th-century mosque

TEHRAN - The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Office of Varamin county has announced the preparation of a dossier for the Jameh Mosque of Varamin to seek UNESCO World Heritage status.

By Afshin Majlesi

Affordable adventures await in these six must-visit cities

TEHRAN - With a history stretching back over 6,000 years, Iran is one of the world’s most appealing destinations for budget-conscious travelers.

Naqsh-e Jahan: a journey through Isfahan’s architectural marvel

TEHRAN – Located in the heart of Isfahan, the ancient city that graces the crossroads of Iran’s north-south and east-west routes, Naqsh-e Jahan is jewel of the Safavid era (1501-1736).

UNESCO-listed Gonbad-e Qabus to undergo restoration

TEHRAN - The director of the Gonbad-e Qabus World Heritage site has announced that the government has allocated part of the approved budget for combating vegetation growth on the conical dome of the 1,000-year-old brick tower.

Fathabad Garden: Kerman’s overlooked Qajar masterpiece

TEHRAN - Nestled in the arid expanse of Kerman province, Fathabad Garden, also known as Bag-e Biglarbeigi, stands as a stunning testament to the grandeur of Persian garden design.

Isfahan’s renowned bazaar of Persian carpets

TEHRAN - Nestled near the UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan’s carpet bazaar stands as a testament to centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.

The intricate art of mirror work in Iran’s architecture

TEHRAN - Mirror work, an art form that uses small or large pieces of mirror mosaics to create intricate designs, is a prominent feature in the internal decoration of Iranian architectural spaces.

Arg of Tabriz: a testament to Ilkhanate splendor

TEHRAN – For centuries, the Arg of Tabriz, although partially in ruins today, has captivated visitors with its historical significance and architectural splendor.

Darougheh House: a unique blend of Iranian, Russian architecture

TEHRAN – Darougheh House offers a captivating glimpse into a transitional period of Iranian architecture, where traditional Persian styles merged with Russian elements.

From palaces to shrines: the brilliance of Iranian mirror work

TEHRAN - In the heart of Iran’s architectural history lies a shimmering tradition which not only decorates but also enlightens the spaces it adorns. It is the ancient art of mirror work, which is known for its dazzling display of light and intricate mosaics.

By Afshin Majlesi

From mosques to mausoleums: architecture under Seljuk patronage

TEHRAN - The Seljuk Dynasty, the first Turkish rulers of the Muslim world, brought a renaissance to the Islamic Caliphate, characterized by religious fervor and robust governance.

Espi Mazget, a ruined Sassanid temple in northern Iran

TEHRAN - Nestled in the lush landscape of Gilan province, lies the ruins of Espi Mazget, which was originally a place of worship in the Sassanid era.

A tale of similar mausoleums: one in Iran, the other in Turkmenistan

TEHRAN - The Mausoleum of Ahmad Sanjar, located within the historic city of Merv in Turkmenistan, and the Mausoleum of Oljaytu, famously known as the Soltaneyeh Dome, situated in Iran's Zanjan province, have long been celebrated for their architectural splendor and historical significance.

By Afshin Majlesi

From trade to tradition: a journey through iconic bazaars

TEHRAN – For tourists, Iranian bazaars offer a window into local culture, providing opportunities to witness authentic social interactions and procure unique Iranian souvenirs.

Sardar-e Bozorg: a journey through Qazvin’s subterranean realm

TEHRAN – Ab-Anbar-e Sardar-e Bozorg, composed of mudbrick twin cisterns, stands as a remarkable feat of Iranian architectural ingenuity within the ancient city of Qazvin.

By Afshin Majlesi

Tranquility amidst history: Jameh Mosque welcomes travelers to Semnan

TEHRAN - In the heart of the ancient city of Semnan, where the whispers of the Silk Road still echo through time, lies a jewel of Islamic architecture, a testament to centuries of cultural exchange and spiritual devotion.