Iran returns 151 historical artifacts from China

TEHRAN – Iran has received 151 historical artifacts that had been loaned to China for a series of exhibitions, with all items returned in good condition after nearly two years, Tehran province’s cultural heritage chief said on Tuesday.

Alborz province: A blend of mountain landscapes, ancient heritage and cultural diversity

TEHRAN - Although Alborz is one of Iran’s youngest provinces in terms of administrative division, its history, cultural heritage and natural landscapes extend far beyond its modern boundaries.

Qalamkari: The centuries-old art of printing stories on fabric in Isfahan

TEHRAN - In the historic Iranian city of Isfahan, where centuries of artistic ingenuity have shaped one of the country's richest cultural landscapes, an age-old craft continues to bring colour, patterns and stories to life on fabric. Known as Qalamkari, this traditional textile art combines hand-carved wooden stamps, carefully prepared dyes and intricate Persian designs to produce decorative fabrics that are both functional and artistic.

By Afshin Majlesi

Farhangsara-ye Khorasan, a cultural hub rooted in Tehran’s history

TEHRAN – Farhangsara-ye Khorasan, or Khorasan Cultural Center, in southern Tehran is a place where people can take part in cultural activities, enjoy artistic programs and attend educational and social events. But what makes it especially interesting is its location in an area with a rich history.

By Afshin Majlesi

‘Night of Iran’ highlights need for better global understanding of Iranian civilization

TEHRAN - Iran has yet to properly present its rich history and civilization to younger generations and the international community, the cultural heritage minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri underlined at an event titled “Night of Iran,” calling for a more comprehensive and historically grounded account of the country’s cultural, scientific and artistic achievements.

Fatatu Forest, a hidden natural retreat in northern Iran

TEHRAN - Tucked away in the rural landscape of northern Iran, Fatatu Forest is a natural attraction in Khomam county, Gilan province, offering visitors a peaceful escape among lush vegetation, wetlands, rice fields and the landscapes of the southern Caspian coast. Recognized for its ecological importance and its surviving Hyrcanian forest vegetation, the woodland holds considerable potential for nature-based tourism, although limited visitor facilities remain a challenge.

Restoration of Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun palace awaits UNESCO funding

TEHRAN - Restoration of Iran’s UNESCO-listed Chehel Sotoun palace and garden is awaiting additional funding from the government and UNESCO, as experts assess structural damage to the Safavid-era monument following a 40-day war with the US and Israeli forces, the site’s director said.

Jameh Mosque of Fahraj: A timeless architectural treasure near Yazd

TEHRAN - Located near the historic city of Yazd in central Iran, the Jameh Mosque of Fahraj, also known as Masjid-i Jami of Fahraj, is a remarkable destination for travelers interested in history, architecture and Iran’s Islamic heritage. Distinguished by its simple earthen construction, ancient vaults and historic minaret, the mosque offers a glimpse into an important period in the evolution of Iranian religious architecture.

Restoration of Sassanid reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam nears completion after three decades

TEHRAN – The restoration of Sassanid-era bas-reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam, one of Iran’s most significant archaeological sites, is approaching completion after a conservation effort that began in the 1990s, with work continuing on a relief depicting Shapur II, a site official said.

Beyond Iran’s famous cities: villages that deserve a place on every traveler’s itinerary

TEHRAN - Iran’s historical cities are renowned for their grand mosques, Persian gardens, traditional bazaars and Silk Road heritage. Yet beyond the familiar destinations of Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, to name a few, lies another side of the country: a landscape of mountain villages, ancient mud-brick settlements and rural communities whose traditions offer a different perspective on Iranian life.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran and Uzbekistan: Where shared history comes alive in Tashkent

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - As an Iranian journalist visiting Tashkent, I found myself looking at the huge Islamic Civilization Center from two perspectives. I was a visitor discovering the depth of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. I was also an Iranian looking for familiar traces of a civilization that has never respected the borders drawn on today’s maps.

Feast of grapes: A harvest tradition and travel experience in Iran

TEHRAN - Held between August 21 and September 21 in different grape-growing regions of Iran, the feast of grapes is a traditional harvest celebration with roots believed to date back around 3,000 years.

Crafting and playing the oud: A living musical heritage in Iran

TEHRAN – With its resonant melodies and distinctive pear-shaped body, the oud has long been part of the musical traditions of Iran and the wider West Aisa. Its craftsmanship and performance, sustained through generations of makers and musicians, received international recognition in 2022 when Iran and Syria jointly inscribed the tradition on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.