Recent findings in Lorestan province, Iran, suggest it is home to the world’s oldest known animation, revealed by local tourism chief Ata Hassanpour at a cultural festival. The ancient rock engravings from the Humian region depict a deer in five stances, representing an early form of animation. Hassanpour argues these engravings predate other claims, such as pottery from Shahr-e Sukhteh. He emphasized the need for investment in tourism to enhance Lorestan’s global recognition. The province’s rich history, rooted in various ancient cultures, continues to attract interest, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
Iranian restoration teams have initiated a conservation project at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, employing advanced technologies like laser scanning and 3D imaging to preserve these ancient sites. Supported by international institutions, the project aims to protect against environmental erosion using eco-friendly materials. Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great around 518 BC, features significant archaeological remnants, while Naqsh-e Rostam includes royal tombs that require urgent attention due to ground subsidence. Experts are focusing on stabilizing inscriptions and constructing protective canopies, with conservation efforts vital for safeguarding these historical treasures from climate-related damage.
The National Museum of Iran has launched the “Silk Legacy: A Review of Iran–China Relations” exhibition, celebrating the deep cultural and historical ties between Iran and China. Director General Jebrael Nokandeh emphasized the significance of their relationship, enhanced by historic trade routes like the Silk Road. The exhibition features nearly 90 artifacts from various periods and includes a memorandum of understanding signed to foster further collaboration between the two nations’ museums. As Iran participates in international exhibitions, the event highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and respect between these ancient civilizations.
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, recently met with German Ambassador Markus Potzel to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Iran and Germany. Salehi-Amiri highlighted the importance of mutual respect and proposed joint exhibitions featuring artifacts from the Pergamon Museum in Iranian museums and vice versa. He also suggested annual cultural conferences and emphasized tourism as a key avenue for enhancing relations. Potzel shared his family’s positive experiences with Iranian culture and noted ongoing discussions about reopening German consulates in Iran. Both officials expressed optimism for future collaborations in cultural and archaeological initiatives, underscoring the significance of cultural diplomacy.
Artisans from Iran’s South Khorasan province are set to showcase their traditional handicrafts at the Sulaymaniyah Expo in Iraq from May 20-26. This event aims to promote Iranian cultural heritage and elevate local handicrafts in global markets. Supported by the provincial Cultural Heritage Department, artisans will display woven and non-woven fabrics, highlighting the region’s renowned carpet weaving history, dating back to the Timurid era. South Khorasan carpets, known for intricate motifs like Rizeh Mahi and Robee Sa’di, are culturally significant and sought after internationally. The expo fosters cultural exchange and preserves traditional techniques among global audiences.
A rare 17th-century Iranian tile panel, a prime example of Safavid artistry, will be publicly displayed for the first time in two decades at V&A Dundee in Scotland. This exquisite artwork, composed of 114 painted tiles and originally from the Haft Dast Palace, showcases a lush garden scene dating back to Shah Abbas II’s reign (1642–1666). The panel will be part of the exhibition “Garden Futures: Designing With Nature,” opening May 17, following extensive conservation by National Museums Scotland. Curator James Wylie describes it as a “masterpiece,” highlighting the cultural significance of gardens in ancient Iran as symbols of paradise and power.