Yalda Night: Ancient Persian celebration of Winter Solstice

Yalda Night, also known as Shab-e Yalda or Shab-e Chelleh, is one of Iranians’ oldest and most cherished celebrations, akin to Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri, deeply rooted in ancient history of the land of Persia, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the enduring bonds of family and tradition.

Iranian cheetah sighted in Miandasht: Last ray of hope to reverse extinction

The sighting of an Iranian cheetah in Miandasht Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Iran after nearly seven years has brought renewed hope for the survival of the critically endangered species.

Shopping frenzy for Yalda Night in Iran’s Ardabil

As Yalda Night, the longest night of the year, approaches, the people of Ardabil in northwestern Iran are busy preparing for the ancient celebration.

Festive spirit takes over Iran as Yalda Night approaches

Yalda is already in the air across Iran with people enjoying the shopping frenzy for Yalda, the first night of the winter and the longest night of the year celebrated on Friday evening primarily in Iran and by the Persian-communities.

Beauty of snow in Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran

The recent snowfall in the Libiyur area of the Keselian rural district, located in the Zirab region of Savadkuh, in northern Iran, has transformed the Hyrcanian forests into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

Soaring over Iran’s Maharloo Lake

Maharloo Lake, a seasonal wonder nestled in the south of Iran, dries up towards the end of summer, only to be revived by the autumn and winter rains.

172 historical artifacts to be returned to Iran from four countries

The countdown has begun for the repatriation of 172 historical artifacts from Turkey, Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom to Iran.

Persian festival Mehregan added to UNESCO list of intangible heritage 

The millennia-old Persian Mehregan festival, also known as feast of harvest and abundance, has been added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry announced. 

Captivating autumn scenery in Ghahan, Qom

The village of Ghahan in Qom province, Iran, has become a picturesque haven this autumn, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Nestled amidst rolling hills, the village is adorned with vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red, offering a breathtaking display of fall foliage.

Persian onager: A unique species endangered by human activity

The Persian onager, one of the four subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass, closely resembles a horse and is native to the deserts of Iran.

A symphony of autumn colors: Discover the enchanting Sa’dabad complex in Tehran

As autumn paints the trees with its vibrant hues, the Sa’dabad Cultural and Historical Complex in northern Tehran transforms into a breathtaking spectacle.

Brown bear spotted in Iran’s Oshtorankuh protected area

A brown bear has been photographed in the Oshtorankuh Protected Area and Gahar Lake in central Iran, the acting head of the Lorestan Province’s Department of Environment announced on Sunday.

Iranian, Belarusian tourism ministers meet on facilitating tourist movement 

Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, met on Thursday with Belarusian Minister of Sports and Tourism Sergey Kovalchuk on the sidelines of the COP 29 Tourism Ministers' Summit in the Republic of Azerbaijan focused on climate actions. 

Iran tourism minister meets with Azerbaijan’s PM to discuss bilateral cooperation, tourism exchange

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, met with Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, on Wednesday in Baku.

Iran tourism minister emphasizes strong ties with UNWTO

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri met with the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili in the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan and underscored Iran's commitment to close collaboration with and support for the international tourism organization.

Carving artists breathe new life into withered trees in Iran’s Zanjan

The Cityscape, Landscape, and Urban Green Spaces Organization of the city of Zanjan, in central Iran, has embarked on a project to give the city's withered trees a new lease of life through the art of carving.

Minister: Iran has taken significant measures to transition to green tourism

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri says the Islamic Republic has taken significant measures to transition to green tourism such as allocating funds to provide the right conditions for sustainable development and environmental protection, granting loans for the construction of small solar power plants in tourism sites, and increasing resilience in tourism.

Iranian minister joins first meeting of Tourism Ministers on Climate Actions

Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, will attend the first meeting of Tourism Ministers focused on climate actions, beibg held during the COP 29 conference in Baku on Wednesday.

Heavy autumn snow blankets Damavand 

The first autumn snow has whitened the heights of northeastern Tehran.

Pictures: Historical charm of Sa’dabad complex in Tehran continues to captivate visitors

The Sa’dabad Cultural and Historical Complex in northern Tehran, renowned for its lush gardens, unique climate, and historic architecture, has drawn increasing attention in recent years. Many visitors are content with exploring the scenic outdoor spaces, often unaware of the distinct stories each palace interior holds within this vast complex.

Pictures: Traditional ceremony in Iran’s Meymand to give thanks for blessings, rainfall and unity

The annual “Digjush” ceremony, a 250-year-old tradition held in Gonak village of Meymand, in Iran's Kerman province, was celebrated this year on Friday, November 8, 2024 as a sign of appreciation following the first rainfall in the region.

Embrace the enchanting autumn beauty of Farim Sahra forests in Iran’s Mazandaran

Farim Sahra in Iran’s northern Mazandaran Province is renowned for its stunning beauty, surrounded by lush forests to the north and south.

1,600-year-old juniper tree discovered in Iran’s West Azarbaijan province

A 1,600-year-old juniper tree has been identified in the Zinehar forest reserve near Takab, West Azarbaijan Province, marking it as the oldest tree in the region in northwestern Iran.

Iran’s tourism minister announces development projects in Abu Musa island, other regions

Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri has announced extensive reconstruction and development projects in various regions of the country, including Abu Musa Island, which has made headlines in recent days over its ownership dispute with the UAE. 

27 rare falcons saved from trafficking, released into wild in Iran’s Hormozgan

Iranian police recently intercepted a major wildlife smuggling operation, rescuing 27 rare and valuable falcons hidden in a vehicle.

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