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This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
Astara, a scenic border city in northwest Gilan province, recently hosted its herbal plants festival, celebrating the popular borage plant, known as Gol-e Gavzaban. Held at Heyran Tourism Village, the event attracted many visitors interested in the region’s natural heritage. Attendees explored various medicinal plants and enjoyed local crafts and cuisine. Seyyed Saeed Mirqorbani, the central governor, emphasized the festival’s aim to promote Astara’s cultural richness and tourism potential while showcasing its diverse herbal plants. The festival not only highlighted the significance of borage in traditional medicine but also represented a fusion of culture, nature, and tourism in Astara.
Iran is considering importing specialized tourism vehicles from China to enhance its tourism sector and improve transport infrastructure. Mohammad Hossein Soufi, head of Iran’s Touring and Automobile Club, announced this initiative during a visit to the Guangzhou Export and Import Center. The collaboration aims to address infrastructure gaps and support Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan. Customized vehicles will feature amenities such as panoramic windows, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms to enhance the travel experience. This partnership reflects Iran’s commitment to promoting tourism as a vital economic driver, aiming to attract more visitors and provide a seamless travel experience.
Damghan, in Iran’s Semnan province, is a historical gem located 350 kilometers east of Tehran. Renowned for its exceptional pistachios and rich cultural heritage, it was historically significant along the Silk Roads. Key attractions include the Tarikhaneh Mosque, one of Iran’s oldest mosques showcasing pre-Seljuk architecture, and Tepe Hessar, an archaeological site revealing over 7,000 years of civilization. Other highlights are ancient fortifications, the Seljuk-era Chehel-Dokhtaran Vault, and the scenic Cheshmeh-Ali Spring, known for its palatial structures from the Qajar era. Damghan beautifully intertwines history, culture, and architecture, making it a must-visit destination.
The Book of Routes and Realms (Kitāb al-Masālik wa al-Mamālik), authored by Ibrāhīm al-Iṣṭakhrī in the 10th century, is a pivotal geographical text detailing the Islamic world, divided into twenty regions. Iṣṭakhrī, a notable geographer from Istakhr, significantly influenced Islamic geography. The manuscript, housed at the National Museum of Iran, is among the oldest from the Seljuk period and features a Persian translation. It includes artistic elements like gilded headpieces and colored maps, and is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance. The work provides insights into distances, products, and historical monuments, especially focusing on Persia.
Izeh, located in Khuzestan, is on track to be recognized as a national kilim city, enhancing its unique hand-woven rugs’ global status. The traditional kilim, reflecting nature and tribal life, is integral to Iranian culture. Shokrollah Qasemi from Khuzestan’s Cultural Heritage department announced the assessment process for Izeh’s registration, highlighting over 29 active kilim-weaving workshops and two institutes. Experts believe Izeh has significant potential for international acclaim, contingent on infrastructural improvements. As Izeh’s kilim industry grows, it aims to become a hub for this craft, preserving cultural heritage while boosting local employment and tourism.
The UN Tourism Organization has recognized three Iranian villages—Shafi’ Abad, Kandolus, and Sohaili—as among the Best Tourism Villages of the World 2025, marking a significant achievement in cultural diplomacy. This acknowledgment emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst globalization. Each village showcases unique attributes: Kandolus blends traditional knowledge and modern creativity, Shafi’ Abad highlights women-led initiatives in handicrafts and eco-tourism, and Sohaili focuses on marine conservation. Iran plans to enhance its global tourism presence through improved infrastructure and local training, reinforcing the idea that true development is rooted in cultural foundations and sustainable practices.