Eco-tourism experience must be linked to indigenous culture, architecture and environment: expert

TEHRAN—Eco-tourism is a qualitative experience in the field of tourism that must be linked to the culture, architecture and local environment of each region, Abolfazl Nikoobayan, a cultural heritage expert said.

Persian art of Ayeneh-Kari added to UNESCO intangible heritage list

TEHRAN — Ayeneh-Kari, the art of mirror-work in Persian architecture, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Thursday following a decision by the Intergovernmental Committee meeting in New Delhi.

Tehran requests new restoration phase for Yerevan’s Blue Mosque

TEHRAN - Iran has formally asked the Armenian government to begin a new phase of restoration work at the Blue Mosque in Yerevan during a recent visit by senior Iranian tourism officials.

National Museum to host conference on human living spaces

TEHRAN – The National Museum of Iran is scheduled to hold a national conference on human living spaces on Feb. 15, 2026.

Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for 17 historic mosques showcasing ‘Persian Mosque’ legacy

TEHRAN – Iran has placed 17 of its most iconic mosques on UNESCO’s Tentative List under the collective title “Persian Mosque,” paving the way for a possible future inscription on the World Heritage List.

Architecture students visit historical sites in Aran and Bidgol

TEHRAN - Architecture students conducted a one-day field visit to historical sites in Aran and Bidgol county on Thursday to study traditional architecture, restoration methods, and cultural heritage preservation, a local tourism official said.

Yazd historic mansion under restoration to house new heritage museum

TEHRAN – Work has begun on the construction of the Grand Museum of Yazd, a cultural project planned inside a historic mansion in the UNESCO-listed city of Yazd, officials said on Sunday.

Iranian scholars link Bishapur palace motif to global symbols

TEHRAN – Archaeologists in Iran say a decorative motif known as Gardoun-e Mehr (literary “Mithra Wheel”) or cross-like pattern, carved in plasterwork at an ancient royal palace of Bishapur in Fars province, influenced artistic and architectural designs across the world.

Geophysical scans reveal widespread ancient metallurgy in Iran’s Masouleh

TEHRAN - New evidence points to a sophisticated history of iron production intertwined with pastoral life in the renowned cultural landscape.

Archaeologists uncover lusterware fragments, Islamic-era ruins in Isfahan excavation

TEHRAN – Archaeologists in Iran have recently unearthed fragments of Persian lusterware ceramics, historical coins, and remnants of Islamic-era architecture during the second phase of excavations at Kamar-Zarrin passage in Isfahan, a local official said on Thursday.

Lighting upgrade begins at majestic Chehel Sotoun Palace

TEHRAN – Authorities have started modern lighting installation at the Chehel Sotoun Palace complex in Isfahan, provincial cultural officials announced on Sunday.

Underground Anuj complex added to Iran’s national heritage list

TEHRAN - An ancient underground hand-carved complex, located in the Samen district of Malayer county, has been officially registered on Iran’s national heritage list, authorities announced.

A monument of engineering and history, Veresk turns 89

TEHRAN - Veresk Bridge, one of Iran’s most iconic engineering feats of the 20th century and a vital link in the Trans-Iranian Railway, has reached its 89th anniversary.

Nahavand’s Nagarechi Hill may hold clues about Seleucid era in Iran

TEHRAN - Nagarechi Hill situated in Nahavand country of Hamedan province is emerging as a pivotal archaeological site that could shed more light on the Seleucid era in Iran.

‘Underground city’ unearthed in central Iran

TEHRAN - Local people have uncovered a remarkable “underground city” beneath five historical homes in the ancient town of Abarkuh, located in Yazd province, central Iran.

Kashan congress discussing Persian architecture over five decades

TEHRAN – The ancient city of Kashan is hosting an architecture congress dedicated to the evolution and essence of contemporary Persian architecture and art over the past five decades.

Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for the art of mirror work in architecture

TEHRAN - Iran has submitted the dossier for “Ayeneh-kari in Iranian architecture” to UNESCO, aiming to inscribe this intricate art form on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

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.

Schoolboy discovers historical engraved brick in western Iran

TEHRAN - A schoolboy in Delfan county of Lorestan province, has accidentally discovered a piece of historical significance: an engraved brick believed to date back to an early historical period.

Tehran conference to spotlight new research on Sassanid Persia

TEHRAN – The Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies in Tehran is set to host the conference titled “Sassanian Persia: Once Upon a Time” on December 18.

Aghazadeh mansion: a gem of Iranian architecture in Abarkouh

TEHRAN - Located in the historical heart of Abarkouh, Yazd province, Aghazadeh Mansion stands as a testament to the elegance and ingenuity of Iranian traditional architecture.

UNESCO-listed Yazd to host intl. conference on wind towers

TEHRAN - The UNESCO-registered city of Yazd, renowned for its historical wind towers (also known as wind catchers) as part of its atmospheric urban landscape, is set to host an international conference on wind towers in March 2025.

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.