Ancient Iran’s Narrators: Extended Edition Due to Overwhelming Demand!
TEHRAN – The exhibition “Narrators of Ancient Iran: A Selection of Objects from the National Museum” has achieved remarkable success, leading to its extension for an additional month. Visitors can now explore this captivating exhibition until December 21. This extensive showcase provides a comprehensive overview of Iranian history through more than 330 artifacts excavated from nearly 80 different sites, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
The exhibition features a unique collection that includes seldom-seen items from the National Museum’s repository, combined with artifacts from the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Archaeology and Art. Additionally, some objects were previously displayed in the “Glory of Ancient Persia” exhibitions held in China.
Explore the Three Main Galleries
The exhibit is thoughtfully organized into three main galleries, each tracing a distinct period in Iran’s rich history:
- Prehistoric Iran: This gallery highlights the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods. Significant sites showcased include:
- Wezmeh Cave
- Abdul Hosein
- Sang-e Chakhmaq
- Bronze and Iron Ages: This section delves into the Elamite, Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods. Noteworthy artifacts include:
- Bronze Age items from Shahr-e Sukhteh, Shahdad, and Jiroft in southeastern Iran.
- Iron Age treasures from Marlik, Hasanlu, Qalaichi, and Lorestan, featuring the famous golden bowls of Hasanlu and Marlik.
- Artifacts from the Elamite and Median civilizations.
- Islamic Era Artifacts: The final gallery is divided into two sections that showcase Iran’s rich Islamic heritage, including:
- Calligraphy
- Metalworking
- Textiles
- A Quran written in Muhaqqaq script from the Ilkhanid period (dated 704 AH / 1305 CE)
- The manuscript of “Masalik va Mamalik”
- Ilkhanid mihrab tiles
- An astrolabe and a celestial globe from the Seljuk period
- Silk brocade (Zarbaft) with delicate Gol-o-Morgh (flower and bird) patterns
- Satin fabrics with golden backgrounds
- Brocaded borders (Zari), intricately woven in Isfahan’s workshops
One of the standout pieces is the bone flute from Sang-e Chakhmaq, currently recognized as the oldest known musical instrument in Iran.
The first section features remarkable works from the early centuries through the Qajar period, including:
The second section displays exquisite textiles from the Safavid era, showcasing the brilliance of Iranian textile art. Featured works include:
These textiles, crafted with exceptional delicacy using silk and golden threads, reflect the splendor and artistic taste of the Safavid court and textile industry.
Visiting Information
For those interested in visiting this prestigious exhibition, it is open from Saturday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Thursdays and Fridays, the exhibition hours are extended until 6:00 PM, providing ample opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Iran’s ancient history.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this breathtaking collection that tells the story of ancient Iran through its artifacts. Make your plans to visit before the exhibition concludes on December 21!