| Ali-Sadr Cave | | Hamadan province | vii, viii, ix (natural) | 2007 | Ali Sadr Cave, famous for its vast water halls and an extraordinary array of speleothems like stalactites and stalagmites, along with various karst formations, boasts the largest water cave accessible by boat at about 2400 meters. This natural wonder is under a sustainable management system ensuring its conservation and use for future generations. |
| Arasbaran Protected Area | | Azerbaijan Province | vii, viii, ix, x (natural) | 2007 | The Arasbaran Protected Area in Iran spans 78,560 hectares with a 134 km perimeter. Its elevation ranges from approximately 256 m to 2896 m, creating a diverse habitat with a rich biodiversity encompassing around 1,000 plant and animal taxa. Significant for its rare species, including Lyurus mlokosiewiczi, the area was designated a conservation zone in 1971 and recognized by UNESCO as a wildlife refuge since 1976, becoming Iran's 9th Biosphere Reserve. |
Asbaads (Windmill) of Iran.Nashtifan | Asbaads (Windmill) of Iran.Nashtifan | | Khurasan-e Razavi, Sistan and Balochestan | i, ii, iv, v (cultural) | 2017 | Strong Shamal winds persist year-round in eastern Iran, with exceptional "120 days winds" affecting areas like Sistan and Baluchistan, Southern Khorasan, and parts of Razavi Provinces, reaching speeds up to 100 km/hour. Utilizing this relentless wind and addressing the scarcity of water, the locals invented windmills called "Asbad" to harness wind energy for grinding grains. These windmills, significant to Iranian desert architecture, are strategically built on high elevations to efficiently capture wind without obstruction. Concentrated in regions with persistent winds, they not only grind grains but also act as barriers against storms for nearby settlements. Historically, the use of wind for mechanical energy dates back 3000 years in Iran and China, with the Iranian vertical-axis windmills spreading across the Islamic world and eventually influencing European windmill design. |
| Bastam and Kharghan | | | ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2007 | The assemblage includes Sheikh Bayazid Bastami's complex, the Chief Mosque, Kashaneh's towered dome, and part of the old city wall. Centered around the grave of Sheikh Bayazid Bastami, a renowned Sufi, the complex has attracted significant constructions since the 19th century. The oldest structures within the complex date to the 8th and 9th centuries AD. |
Bazaar of Qaisariye in Laar | Bazaar of Qaisariye in Laar | | Laar, Fars province | i, ii, iii, vi (cultural) | 2007 | Laar exemplifies urban planning from the pre-Safavid era, with its design showcasing resilience and adaptation after a major earthquake. The continuity and development of the Bazaar of Qaisariye, alongside the construction of a square featuring a polo gate and encircling porticos, illustrate a distinctive urban complex emerging from the reconstruction efforts post-disaster. |
Cultural Landscape of Alamutt | Cultural Landscape of Alamutt | | Village of Alamout, Qazvin | ii, iv, v, vi, viii (mixed) | 2007 | Hassan Sabah's castle, located in northeastern Gazor Khan Village near Mo'alem Kalayeh in Roudbar of Alamout, is a historical fortress perched atop a 220-meter cliff, sitting 2163 meters above sea level on the southwestern slopes of the Houdkan Mountain range, part of the larger Alborz Mountains. The remaining structures, including walls, towers, and observation posts, are constructed from stone bonded with gypsum. Covering an area of ten thousand square meters, the castle's buildings are strategically distributed across the different elevations of the rugged terrain, making efficient use of the steep and challenging topography. The 7th-century historian Ata Malak Joveyni likened the cliff's profile to a sleeping camel, while explorer Freya Stark described its summit as resembling the prow of a ship pointing northwest. |
| Damavand | | Mazandaran province | vii, viii, ix, x (natural) | 2008 | Mount Damavand, standing at approximately 5,628 meters above sea level, is Iran's tallest peak and an inactive volcano that saw activity during the Quaternary period. This iconic mountain is known for its numerous thermal springs, like Ask and Larijan, and for being perpetually snow-capped throughout the year. The region boasts a rich biodiversity, encompassing around 2,000 plant species, including a variety of endemic species that are of great significance to the global flora. |
| Firuzabad Ensemble | | Firuzabad, Fars | (cultural) | 1997 | The Firuzabad ensemble, within a 12 km zone, encapsulates the rich history of the Sassanian period through pivotal structures such as the circular City of Gur, the nearby Palace of Ardashir by the Tangab river, and the strategically placed Qal'eh Dokhtar fortress. It also hosts significant art in the form of bas reliefs depicting the era's notable events and the Pahlavi inscription of Mehr-Nerse. These elements collectively highlight the empire's advanced urban planning and architectural sophistication. |
Ghaznavi- Seljukian Axis in Khorasan | Ghaznavi- Seljukian Axis in Khorasan | | Khorasan province | i, ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2007 | Numerous caravanserais along the Silk Route, dating back to the Seljuk period, such as Robat-Sharaf and Robat-Mahi, along with historical complexes like Sang-bast and constructions like the Baba Loghman Building, underscore the importance of this trade artery in both the Great Khorasan of yesteryears and the contemporary Khorasan region. |
| Hamoun Lake | | Sistan and Baluchistan Province | vii, viii, ix, x (natural) | 2008 | This eastern desert lake is divided into three zones: Hamoun-Hirmand to the south and southwest, Hamoun-e-Sabereen to the northwest, and Hamoun-e-Pouzak to the northeast of the Sistan Plain. During high-precipitation seasons, the lake spans approximately 5,700 km, with 3,800 km lying within Iranian borders and the remainder in Afghanistan. |
| Harra Protected Area | | Hormozgan province | vii, viii, ix, x (natural) | 2008 | The Khuran Strait reserve lies between Qeshm Island and southern Iran, featuring the Mehran delta with its extensive intetidal flats and the region's largest stand of Harra mangroves (Avicennia marina). Hosting a subtropical climate with very hot summers and sparse rainfall, it's crucial for various water birds' life cycles. Protectively marked in 1972 and recognized as a Ramsar Site and biosphere reserve by 1976, the area spans over 82,360 hectares of mangroves and mudflats. |
Historic ensemble of Qasr-e Shirin | Historic ensemble of Qasr-e Shirin | | Qasr-e Shrin, Kermanshah province | (cultural) | 1997 | A significant archaeological and historical site that dates back to the Sassanian era and earlier. The site includes ruins of palaces, temples, and other structures, reflecting the area's importance as a cultural and political center over the centuries. Qasr-e Shirin is particularly noted for its historical significance in relation to the legendary love story of Khosrow and Shirin, which has been a subject of Persian literature and art. |
Temple of Anahita of Kangavar | Temple of Anahita of Kangavar | | Kangavar, Kermanshah province | iii (cultural) | 2007 | An ancient site dedicated to the Persian water goddess, Anahita. The temple complex is characterized by its grandiose terraces, monumental stairways, and remnants of stone columns, suggesting a blend of Greek and Persian architectural influences. |
| Imam Reza Shrine | | Mashhad, Khurasan-e Razavi Province | i, ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural) | 2017 | This complex is dedicated to Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, and attracts millions of pilgrims annually from around the world. The shrine encompasses a vast area featuring a mosque, a mausoleum, a library, and several other religious and educational buildings. Its architecture is notable for its intricate tile work, domes, and minarets, which display the richness of Islamic art and architecture. Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and beautified by various rulers. |
Industrial Heritage of textile in the central Plateau of Iran | Industrial Heritage of textile in the central Plateau of Iran | | Isfahan, Yazd and Kerman provinces | i, ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2017 | The area's historical narrative is marked by the presence of various mills and workshops, where artisans and workers employed a blend of age-old practices and emerging industrial technologies to produce textiles renowned for their quality and distinctive designs. This site underscores the region's role in not only advancing textile production but also in shaping the social and economic landscape. |
| Jiroft | | Kerman province | ii, iii, v, vi (cultural) | 2007 | Known for its collection of artifacts, including intricately designed chlorite vessels, Jiroft has emerged as a key site for understanding early urban development and trade networks in the region. The discovery of these artifacts suggests that the area was a major center for craftsmanship and commerce, possibly linked to ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The site's extensive ruins and artifacts offer invaluable insights into the cultural and economic complexities of an ancient society in Iran. |
| Blue Mosque, Tabriz | | Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province | i, ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2007 | A historic mosque renowned for its exquisite blue tilework, which gives the mosque its name. Constructed in 1465 under the order of Jahan Shah, the ruler of the Kara Koyunlu dynasty, the mosque was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1779 but has since undergone restoration efforts to preserve its architectural beauty. The mosque's design features a blend of Islamic and Persian architectural elements, with intricate calligraphy and patterns adorning its interior and exterior. Despite the 1779 earthquake damage, the Blue Mosque remains a symbol of the rich cultural and religious history of Tabriz. |
Kerman Historical-Cultural Structure | Kerman Historical-Cultural Structure | | Kerman province | i, ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural) | 2008 | This structure encompasses a variety of significant buildings, including mosques, bazaars, caravanserais, and bathhouses, each reflecting the diverse historical periods of the region from the Islamic era to modern times. The city's layout, characterized by its traditional bazaars, narrow alleys, and public squares, exemplifies classical Persian urban planning. Kerman's historical core is notable for its intricate tile work, mud-brick construction, and decorative elements that embody the aesthetic and technological advancements of its time. |
Khabr National Park and Ruchun Wildlife Refuge | Khabr National Park and Ruchun Wildlife Refuge | | Kerman province | vii, viii, ix, x (natural) | 2007 | This protected area is characterized by its mountain landscapes, rivers, and vegetation, providing critical habitat for endangered species and a wide range of wildlife, including Persian leopards, Asiatic black bears, and various bird species. The park and refuge are also important for their ecological functions, such as watershed protection and climate regulation. |
| Mount Khajeh | | Zabol, Sistan and Baluchistan Province | ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2007 | A flat-topped black basalt hill that rises from the surrounding Hamoun Lake. This site is notable for its archaeological significance, hosting the ruins of an ancient citadel and several pre-Islamic and Islamic historical structures, including Zoroastrian fire temples and a Sasanian-era palace. The unique geographical feature serves as a natural fortress and has been a significant cultural and religious center over the centuries. |
Naqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab | Naqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab | | Marvdasht, Fars province | (cultural) | 1997 | Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient necropolis, housing the rock-cut tombs of four Achaemenid kings, including Darius the Great, and features impressive bas-reliefs from both the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods that depict royal victories and ceremonies. These sites provide critical insights into the ceremonial and funerary practices of ancient Persian empires, showcasing the artistic achievements and historical significance of the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods. The preservation of these reliefs and tombs offers valuable information on the political and religious ideologies of the time. |
Natural-Historical Complex / Cave of Karaftoo | Natural-Historical Complex / Cave of Karaftoo | | Kurdistan province | (mixed) | 2017 | A natural-historical complex known for its unique geological formations and historical significance. This cave system, consisting of various chambers and passages, has been utilized by humans since ancient times, serving various purposes including habitation, worship, and as a defensive refuge. Notably, the cave contains Greek inscriptions that suggest it was once dedicated to the Greek god Hermes. The complex also features man-made rooms and corridors that indicate its use during different historical periods, including the Islamic era. |
Persepolis and other relevant buildings | Persepolis and other relevant buildings | | Fars province | (cultural) | 2007 | An ancient archaeological site, serving as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great and his successors. The complex includes palaces, halls, and a treasury. Notable structures within the site include the Gate of All Nations include the Apadana Palace, and the Tomb of Artaxerxes III. |
| Persian Mosque | | (various) | i, ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural) | 2025 | This serial nomination consists of 17 historic mosques. |
| Qeshm Island | | Hormozgan province | (natural) | 2007 | The largest island in the Persian Gulf. The island features a variety of natural attractions, including the Hara Marine Forests, the Valley of Stars with its distinctive rock formations, and the Kharbas Caves, which have historical and archaeological significance. Qeshm is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, sea turtles, and dolphins. The island's economy is primarily based on fishing, boat building, and tourism, with an increasing interest in eco-tourism due to its natural and ecological sites. Qeshm's cultural heritage is reflected in its traditional music, clothing, and crafts, making it a vibrant community with a rich blend of traditions and modernity. |
| Sabalan | | Ardabil province | (natural) | 2007 | A dormant volcanic mountain with the altitude of 4820 m, making it the country's third highest site. The mountain is also known for its hot springs, attracting visitors seeking health benefits. Sabalan has a rich cultural significance, playing a central role in local mythology and being considered a sacred mountain in Persian folklore. Its slopes are used for pastoralism and are home to nomadic tribes during the warmer months. The mountain's diverse ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal life. |
| Salt Domes of Iran | | Fars province, Bushehr, Hormozgan, Qom and Zanjan | (natural) | 2017 | The salt domes are created by the upward movement of salt from deep within the earth, pushing through overlying layers of rock to form impressive structures on the surface. Iran's salt domes are noted for their striking appearance, often displaying vivid colors due to the minerals they contain. They play a significant role in Iran's natural landscape, contributing to the biodiversity of these areas by creating unique ecological niches. Additionally, they are of considerable economic importance, as some domes contain valuable deposits of rock salt, gypsum, and other minerals. |
| Shush | | 100 km south of Ahvaz, Khuzestan province | (cultural) | 22/05/1997 | An ancient city and one of the oldest known settlements in the world, with archaeological evidence dating back to as early as 4000 BCE. Susa was an important city in various ancient empires, including the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian empires, serving as a political and economic center. The site includes significant historical ruins, such as the palace of Darius the Great, the Apadana, and the Susa acropolis. |
Silk Route (Also as Silk Road) | Silk Route (Also as Silk Road) | | Khorasan province | i (cultural) | 2008 | The Silk Route in Iran refers to the sections of the ancient Silk Road that passed through the Iranian plateau, connecting the East and West for centuries. This network of trade routes facilitated the exchange of silk, spices, textiles, and precious goods, as well as ideas, cultures, and technologies between civilizations. Iran's strategic location made it a vital corridor within the Silk Road, with cities such as Nishapur, Rey, and Isfahan becoming bustling centers of commerce and intellectual exchange. The routes contributed to the prosperity of these cities, making them focal points for cultural and economic development. |
| Tepe Sialk | | Isfahan province | (cultural) | 1997 | An archaeological site dating back to the 5th, comprises two main mounds ("tepes"), which have revealed multiple layers of occupation through extensive archaeological excavations. The site is renowned for its contributions to understanding the early development of agricultural societies in the central plateau of Iran. Tepe Sialk has yielded important artifacts, including pottery, tools, and architectural remains, that illustrate the social, economic, and technological advancements of its inhabitants. The discovery of a ziggurat-like structure on the site indicates the existence of religious or administrative activities. |
| Taq-e Bostan | | Kermanshah, Kermanshah province | (cultural) | 2007 | An archaeological site encompassing a range of artifacts, including the ancient Morad-Hassel Tepe, a historic village, a Parthian burial site, and a hunting ground from the Sassanid era. The centerpiece of this complex is the Sassanid section, featuring two porticoes (known as the large and small Ivans) and remarkable bas-reliefs from the same epoch. |
The Collection of Historical Bridges | The Collection of Historical Bridges | | Lorestan province | (cultural) | 2008 | With its various mountains and varied climate, Iran is home to numerous rivers that are connected by ancient bridges like the Pol-e Dokhtar, Gavmishan, and Kashkan, promoting security, economic, and cultural connections. Bridge building peaked during the Sasanian period, exhibiting characteristics like enormous piers, lofty arches, and engraved stones. As a testament to the engineering and architectural genius of the era, Lorestan's collection of sixty medieval bridges is regarded as one of the oldest and largest in the world. |
| The Complex of Izadkhast | | Fars province | (cultural) | 2007 | A fortress, a caravanserai, and a bridge, situated within an ancient cultural landscape. The complex is strategically positioned along ancient trade routes, serving as a vital hub for commerce, military, and communication purposes. The fortress, perched on a natural rock formation, offers insights into defensive architecture, while the caravanserai provided lodging for travelers and traders. The nearby bridge facilitated the movement of goods and people across the region. |
The Cultural-Natural Landscape of Ramsar | The Cultural-Natural Landscape of Ramsar | | City of Ramsar, Province of Mazandaran | (mixed) | 2007 | |
| The Great Wall of Gorgan | | Golestan province | (cultural) | 2017 | Constructed during the Sassanian Empire in the 5th or 6th century AD, this defensive barrier stretches approximately 195 kilometers, making it one of the longest fortification systems of ancient times. The wall was built to protect the empire's northeastern borders against nomadic invasions and is accompanied by a series of forts, watchtowers, and water reservoirs, showcasing advanced engineering and military architecture of the period. The wall's construction utilized fired bricks, a testament to the technological capabilities of the Sassanians. |
The Historical City of Masuleh | The Historical City of Masuleh | | City of Masouleh, Gilan province | (cultural) | 2007 | Founded in the 1006 AD, Masuleh's layout is adapted to the steep slopes of the Alborz mountains, featuring houses built in a stair-step configuration. This unique design ensures that the roofs of houses on one level serve as the courtyards for houses on the level above, maximizing space and complementing the natural terrain. The city's buildings, made from local materials like mud-brick, wood, and stone, blend seamlessly into the landscape, reflecting a harmonious relationship between human habitation and nature. Today Masuleh has maintained its traditional social and economic structures, making it a living example of rural life in Iran. |
The Historical City of Maybod | The Historical City of Maybod | | Maybod, Yazd province | (cultural) | 2007 | An ancient city showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural, architectural, and urban developments. The city's urban fabric includes structures such as the Narin Castle, one of the oldest and largest mud-brick fortresses in Iran. |
The Historical Port of Siraf | The Historical Port of Siraf | | Province of Bushehr | v (cultural) | 2007 | Siraf was a point in the maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade between the Middle East, India, and the Far East.Archaeological excavations have unearthed remnants of the city's grandeur, including residential areas, mosques, and bazaars, alongside evidence of its extensive trade networks, such as imported ceramics and goods from distant lands. The port's architecture and urban planning reflect a prosperous society adept in maritime trade and capable of adapting to the coastal desert environment. The decline of Siraf in the 12th century, likely due to geological and economic factors, marked the end of its era as a trading powerhouse. |
The Historical Texture of Damghan | The Historical Texture of Damghan | | Semnan province | ii, iii, iv, v (cultural) | 2007 | Dates back to the pre-Islamic era as one of Iran's oldest cities. Damghan has played a significant role in various periods, notably during the Parthian and Sassanian empires, and later under Islamic rule. The city's historical fabric comprises an array of ancient structures, including the Tarikhaneh Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran, featuring elements from a Sassanian fire temple, and the ancient city walls that hint at Damghan's historical importance as a fortified city. |
The Historical Village of Abyaneh | The Historical Village of Abyaneh | | Village of Abyaneh, Isfahan province | ii, iii, iv (cultural) | 2007 | Known for its distinctive red mud-brick houses that blend seamlessly with the rugged mountainous landscape. Abyaneh is also notable for its labyrinthine streets, multi-leveled houses, and significant historical structures, including Zoroastrian fire temples and Islamic mosques that exhibit unique architectural features. |