Discover the Rich Heritage of 'Narrators of Ancient Iran' Exhibit at the National Museum

Discover the rich history of Iran at the new exhibition titled “Narrators of Ancient Iran: A Selection of Objects from the National Museum.” This captivating showcase opened on September 29 at the National Museum in downtown Tehran, offering a remarkable glimpse into the nation’s past. With over 330 artifacts sourced from nearly 80 ancient sites, this exhibition highlights the evolution of Iranian civilization from the dawn of human settlement to more recent times.

The opening ceremony was graced by notable figures including Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage, and Jebrael Nokandeh, the Director General of the National Museum, alongside various officials, experts, and history enthusiasts. According to Nokandeh, this event is one of the largest exhibitions ever organized by the museum in terms of the number of artifacts displayed, and it will continue until November 22.

As visitors explore the collection, they will encounter:

A diverse array of objects from the National Museum’s repository.
Artifacts from the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Archaeology and Art of Iran.
Items previously showcased in the “Glory of Ancient Persia” exhibitions held in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xinjiang.

According to Nokandeh, the exhibition is divided into three main galleries, each focusing on different aspects of technology, art, society, and culture throughout Iranian history.

Gallery Highlights

The first gallery is dedicated to Iran’s prehistoric era, specifically the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods. Key sites represented include:

Wezmeh Cave
Abdul Hosein
Sang-e Chakhmaq

Among the notable exhibits is the bone flute from Sang-e Chakhmaq, currently recognized as the oldest known musical instrument in Iran.

The second gallery focuses on the Historical Periods, encompassing the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Elamite, Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods. This gallery is the most extensive in the exhibition and features:

Bronze Age artifacts from Shahr-e Sukhteh, Shahdad, and Jiroft.
Iron Age works from Marlik, Hasanlu, Qalaichi, and Lorestan, including the famous golden bowls.
Elamite and Median civilization artifacts, such as the second guardian bull statue from Chogha Zanbil and notable Elamite objects from the Joubaji collection.

Additionally, this gallery showcases significant works from the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian eras, providing a comprehensive view of Iran’s historical evolution.

Islamic Era Artifacts

The third gallery is dedicated to artifacts from the Islamic period in Iran. This section is split into two parts, highlighting Iran’s rich heritage in various fields:

The first section features remarkable works from the early Islamic centuries to the Qajar period, including:
- A Quran written in Muhaqqaq script from the Ilkhanid period (704 AH / 1305 CE).
- The manuscript of “Masalik va Mamalik.”
- Ilkhanid mihrab tiles, an astrolabe, and a celestial globe from the Seljuk period.
The second section showcases exquisite Safavid-era textiles, including:
- Silk brocade (Zarbaft) with intricate Gol-o-Morgh (flower and bird) patterns.
- Satin fabrics with golden backgrounds.
- Brocaded borders (Zari) crafted in Isfahan, known for its artistic heritage.

These textiles exemplify the artistic brilliance and luxurious craftsmanship of the Safavid court and its textile industry.

Additional Features

In a side gallery, a photo exhibition showcases the activities of the National Museum of Iran during the 12-day war. Additionally, replicas of two significant artifacts are on display:

A statue of Darius the Great from Susa.
A model of the Tarikhaneh Mosque in Damghan, constructed in the 1930s.

The “Narrators of Ancient Iran” exhibition is open to the public from Saturday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Thursdays and Fridays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This is an exceptional opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Iranian history and culture.