Tourism minister says Western perceptions of Iran are often inaccurate

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has criticized what he described as inaccurate and exaggerated portrayals of Iran in Western media, arguing that many Europeans have a distorted understanding of the country’s realities.

Iran plans handicrafts export push, names Isfahan key hub for tourism growth

TEHRAN – Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, said on Monday that the government would pursue a program to expand domestic and international markets for handicrafts, increase exports, support artisans and develop a complete value chain for the sector, identifying Isfahan as a central hub for future growth.

Qeshm UNESCO Global Geopark expands digital conservation measures

TEHRAN – The manager of the UNESCO Global Geopark on Iran's Qeshm Island has said new digital monitoring and management systems will be introduced to strengthen protection of the island's geological heritage and expand the use of advanced technologies across the geopark.

Chogha Golan archaeological site undergoes new excavation

TEHRAN – Authorities in Iran's western Ilam province have launched the fourth season of archaeological excavations at the prehistoric site of Chogha Golan, a provincial official said.

By Afshin Majlesi

Alborz artisans share their craft, passion and concerns

TEHRAN - World Handicrafts Day, observed annually on June 10, is an occasion to celebrate the creativity, skills and cultural heritage of artisans around the globe.

Traditional Nain Aba weaving receives global geographical indication registration

TEHRAN – The traditional Aba weaving craft of Nain in central Iran has been internationally registered as a geographical indication by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), marking the country's 13th global registration in the field, a senior handicrafts official said.

Echoes of the past: Golden bracelet with an inscription older than itself

The pictured golden bracelet is a masterpiece of Neo-Elamite metalwork and a testament to the sophisticated craftsmanship of the period.

Historic Ayatollah Taleghani house to open as museum in late September

TEHRAN – The historic house of the late Ayatollah Mahmoud Taleghani in Alborz province is scheduled to be converted into a museum by the end of September, where documents, photographs and personal belongings associated with the prominent cleric and revolutionary figure will be displayed, a provincial cultural heritage official said.

Tasting chikoo, papaya and guava; a unique experience for tourists in Darak Village

TEHRAN – Darak Village, a nominee for the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages 2026 program and located in Zarabad county, Sistan-Baluchestan province, has recently played host to a number of tourists, travel bloggers, content creators and social media influencers who traveled to the region to explore its unique tourism potential, a tourism official told the Tehran Times on Tuesday.

Nazr-e Aloofeh in Qaleh Bala: a living tradition of wildlife conservation and community solidarity

Nestled on the edge of Touran National Park in Semnan province, about 140 kilometers southeast of Shahroud, Qaleh Bala is a village known for its stepped architecture, striking landscapes, and close connection to nature. Often described as the gateway to Touran, the village is not only valued for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural traditions that continue to shape the lives of its residents.

Iran plans marine tourism development along southern coastal corridor

TEHRAN – Iran has adopted a new strategy to expand marine tourism along its southern coastline, focusing on a tourism corridor stretching from Makran to Abadan, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri said on Saturday.

Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari pursues UNESCO recognition for nomadic migration tradition

TEHRAN – Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province is pursuing a UNESCO registration of its nomadic migration tradition and is prepared to support efforts aimed at securing the ancient practice, a provincial heritage official said.

Lorestan retains leading role in Iran’s national heritage registration: provincial tourism chief

TEHRAN  – Lorestan province remains one of Iran’s most significant cultural heritage regions, holding records in national heritage registrations, archaeological sites, and historic bridge architecture, according to provincial heritage officials. 

By Hanie Shahrabi

How Persian carpets weave time into art

TEHRAN – Persian carpets are often introduced through familiar ideas: tradition, craftsmanship, heritage, and identity. While these remain essential, they do not fully explain why these objects continue to resonate, specifically with contemporary global audience increasingly attentive to timeless art.

Joint initiative planned to revive rural economy through tourism, digital connectivity

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Saturday that his ministry and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology are preparing a joint program aimed at creating jobs, expanding tourism and encouraging reverse migration to rural areas.

Archaeological evidence points to ancient Parthian naval base near Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN - Archaeological investigations in southern Iran have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Parthian Empire established a strategic naval base near the Strait of Hormuz around 2,000 years ago, highlighting Iran's historical role in monitoring one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, a local archaeologist said.