Semnan

2026-11-02 17:11

Semnan’s oral heritage: a living reflection of history and cultural identity

TEHRAN - Semnan province, with its ancient history and remarkable cultural heritage, is home to a rich collection of Iran’s oral traditions, customs, traditional arts and local narratives.

2026-06-17 17:49

Restoration work begins at Shah Abbasi caravanserai in Semnan

TEHRAN – Restoration and rehabilitation work has begun on a historic Shah Abbasi caravanserai in Semnan, northern Iran, focusing on the structure's northern and western sections, local cultural heritage officials said on Wednesday.

2026-06-08 17:59

Nazr-e Aloofeh in Qaleh Bala: a living tradition of wildlife conservation and community solidarity

Nestled on the edge of Touran National Park in Semnan province, about 140 kilometers southeast of Shahroud, Qaleh Bala is a village known for its stepped architecture, striking landscapes, and close connection to nature. Often described as the gateway to Touran, the village is not only valued for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural traditions that continue to shape the lives of its residents.

2026-05-30 17:54

Qaleh Bala: Where community-based governance aligns with wildlife conservation

TEHRAN - The village of Qaleh Bala, located at the “Golden Gate” of Touran National Park, has become a shining model of participatory governance and community-based environmental conservation in Iran.

2026-04-19 18:59

Wildlife-friendly Qaleh Bala targets UN Best Tourism Villages recognition

TEHRAN - Perched on the edge of Iran’s vast desert landscapes, Qaleh Bala village has emerged as one of the country’s most compelling candidates for the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” label, an initiative that recognizes rural destinations combining cultural heritage, sustainability, and community-driven development.

2026-02-14 17:17

Desert village Qaleh Bala moves closer to possible UN label

TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities in Shahroud have finalized a dossier to nominate the village of Qaleh Bala in Semnan province for inscription by the UN Tourism, a local official said on Saturday.

2026-02-13 17:45

Minister suggests formation of spiritual tourism triangle in Semnan province

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, on Thursday called for the formation of a spiritual tourism triangle stretching from Shahroud to the capital city of Semnan, during a visit to eastern Semnan province.

2026-02-08 17:43

Semnan tourism department to revamp surroundings of Shah Abbasi caravanserai

TEHRAN – Semnan’s cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts department has begun plans to reorganize the area surrounding the centuries-old Shah Abbasi caravanserai which is located in the north-central Iranian province.

2026-01-24 17:25

55 hectares of Semnan's historical texture nationally registered

TEHRAN--Two historical neighborhoods of Esfanjan and Nasar to the extent of 55 hectares in historical texture of Semnan province were registered in Iran’s National Heritage List.

2026-01-20 17:04

Eyvanki reflects centuries of settlement along ancient trade routes

TEHRAN--Eyvanki city is located on one of the main and most important routes from the east to the west of the ancient and current time, a route that was once called the Silk Road. Eyvanki is located in Garmsar county , Semnan province, about 70 kilometers from Tehran.

2026-01-19 17:04

Mayamey and its centuries-old Persian caravanserais

TEHRAN--Mayamey in Semnan province, with its collection of historical caravanserais such as Mayamey, Miandasht, and Abbasabad, represents part of Iran’s cultural heritage.

2026-01-17 17:52

Siahak-Duzi: where art meets the silent white of cloth

TEHRAN - Siahak-Duzi, a traditional form of needlework from Iran’s Semnan province, is a fine yet fragile expression of Iranian handicrafts and an important part of local clothing and cultural identity.

2025-12-14 17:50

Digi and glimpses of culinary heritage in Qaleh Bala village

TEHRAN – A traditional dish known as Digi, prepared using a centuries-old method in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, offers insight into the area’s indigenous culinary culture, reflecting local knowledge, communal practices and social traditions passed down through generations.

2025-12-10 17:31

Women preserve ‘Tal-o Mahtal’ ritual for rain in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village

TEHRAN – The ancient rain-seeking ritual Tal-o Mahtal, observed in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, is originated as a community response to recurring desert droughts and continues to be practiced today. The ceremony is listed as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.

2025-12-09 17:15

1000-year-old minaret of Semnan mosque to be honored in Special ceremony

TEHRAN--A ceremony to commemorate the millennium of minaret of Semnan Jameh Mosque will be held on Wednesday with the aim of transforming this heritage site into a historical and cultural brand of the city.

2025-12-03 17:38

Rural, nomadic tourism development planned in Mahdishahr

TEHRAN--The development of rural and nomadic tourism is one of the important goals of Mahdishahr county in Semnan province, said Governor of Mahdishahr Ali Khodadad.

2025-12-03 17:37

‘Forest to Desert’ project, an opportunity for tourism development in Shahroud

TEHRAN--The ‘Forest to Desert’ project is an exceptional opportunity for tourism development in Shahroud county, Semnan province, said Shahroud Governor Mohammad-Hassan Asafari.

2025-11-30 18:52

Qaleh Bala, a village where people celebrate endemic Iranian Ground-Jay

TEHRAN - For 14 years, the remote eco-friendly village of Qaleh Bala has welcomed wildlife enthusiasts to its unique “Journey to the Habitat of the Iranian Ground-Jay” festival — an annual event where residents and visitors come together to honor and protect one of Iran’s rarest native birds.