News Magazine

The more we search through the forgotten writings of Iranian history, the more we realize how little we know about our country's past. We also come to understand the hardships and suffering our ancestors endured at the hands of rulers in their efforts to preserve their language, script, culture, and national identity.

Zoroastrians of Mazraeh Kalantar, Meybod, Mark the End of the Panji Ritual with the Ancient Tash-e Boom Ceremony

It is impossible to speak of the history and archaeology of Iran without remembering the late Alireza Shapour Shahbazi. The central focus of this exceptional scholar's research was the history of the Achaemenid and Sasanian empires, yet he never overlooked the Shahnameh or the many other expressions of Iran's ancient cultural heritage. Indeed, anything that shed light on the ancient history of Iran was, for Shahbazi, worthy of careful investigation and scholarly attention. Now, twenty years after his passing, we perhaps appreciate more than ever what an extraordinary historian and archaeologist the field has lost. The anniversary of his death, on 16 July, offers an opportunity to briefly reflect on his remarkable scholarly legacy.

Al-Khwarizmi is one of Iran’s most renowned scholars, with a reputation that extends throughout the world. His name was not only celebrated in the past; even today, he is recognized globally for his originality and contributions to mathematics, astronomy, geography, and philosophy. Today, the 22nd of Tir, marks his auspicious birthday.

The nomination dossier for the global registration of Alamut Fortress is still open, and discussions continue regarding the progress of its preparation and implementation. In addition, the methods and results of archaeological excavations at the fortress require proper reporting. It is now necessary to understand what plans have been prepared to ensure the successful inscription of this globally significant Iranian cultural heritage site.

Today, the 22nd of Tir, marks the anniversary of the passing of one of Iran’s most renowned archaeologists, the late Mostafavi Kashani. He played a significant role in introducing the grandeur and magnificence of the Achaemenid civilization to the world.

The expanse of Tall-e Barmi, also known as Barmak, is a remnant of Iran’s Elamite period and is now located near a village called Kimeh, in Ramhormoz County, Khuzestan Province. Archaeologists consider Tall-e Barmi to have been an Elamite city that was gradually buried over time, leaving behind nothing of its former grandeur except a mound of earth and artifacts—many of which have been looted by antiquities traffickers.

The Zoroastrian Parsi population declines by approximately 18 percent every decade. Recent efforts to increase the Parsi population, including a high-level national seminar organized by India’s National Commission for Minorities last month, have overlooked one of the primary reasons behind this continued decline: an unjust legal system that leaves Parsi women vulnerable, impoverished, and without adequate protection.