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Iran is celebrating the inclusion of the Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley in the UNESCO World Heritage list, announced during a national conference in Tehran by Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri. The event will gather experts and scholars to discuss global promotion of these historically significant sites, which showcase human habitation dating back 63,000 years. Salehi-Amiri emphasized leveraging international media to enhance tourism and cultural exchange. Additionally, plans to seek UNESCO status for the historic Falak-ol-Aflak Castle were revealed. The conference aims to foster collaboration for heritage conservation and integrate local history into educational curricula to instill pride among students.
Maragheh, in East Azarbaijan, Iran, has been chosen as a pilot city for a new urban tourism initiative aimed at transforming it into a vibrant tourist destination. Mayor Shahram Morevvati is leading efforts to leverage the city’s rich history and natural beauty, advocating for innovative urban management to adapt to modern challenges. Key objectives include creating sustainable income opportunities, transforming costs into revenue, and promoting year-round tourism. With support from tourism officials, Maragheh seeks to establish a new model of “tourist city planning,” aiming to enhance quality of life and serve as a national example of sustainable urban development.
Iran’s cultural heritage minister, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has called for urgent archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Istakhr, located near Persepolis. As the birthplace of the Achaemenid dynasty, Istakhr’s preservation is crucial amid threats from illegal digging. Salehi-Amiri emphasized the need for swift action to protect this historically significant site, urging efforts to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site to enhance Iran’s cultural tourism and international standing. Istakhr showcases layers of settlement, significant artifacts, and reflects Iran’s rich historical narrative, highlighting the importance of continued archaeological research for understanding the past.
The sixth season of excavations at Qal-e Kord cave in Iran’s Qazvin province has begun, focusing on the region’s rich prehistoric heritage. Authorized by the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, the project is co-led by archaeologists Hamed Vahdatinasab and Milad Hashemi Sarvandi from Tarbiat Modares University. The cave, one of Iran’s oldest archaeological sites, has evidence of human presence dating back over 400,000 years, including Neanderthals. The team aims to establish a timeline of habitation, study animal remains, and explore deeper layers for older deposits. Findings will enhance understanding of early human life and interactions with their environment.
The Jameh Mosque of Nain, located in Isfahan Province, is one of Iran’s oldest mosques, dating back to the 8th century CE. Recognized for its architectural uniqueness, it lacks the traditional Iwan and dome, making it a captivating subject for historians and visitors. The mosque features intricate plasterwork, stunning brick columns, and a tall octagonal minaret added 700 years ago. Its basement, once a fire temple, serves as a prayer chamber with a stable temperature, while an underground water channel facilitated ablutions. Active as a place of worship, the mosque is preserved by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization, showcasing Iran’s rich cultural legacy.