Over seven million people visited Iran’s cultural heritage museums and historical sites during a monthlong period encompassing the Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr holidays, according to officials from the country’s tourism ministry. The data, covering March 14 to April 12, highlight a surge of interest in Iran’s rich historical and cultural landmarks.

Reza Same’, an official responsible for nationally registered and UNESCO World Heritage sites, provided details during a press briefing on Monday. He reported that a total of 7,760,216 visits were recorded across 212 heritage locations nationwide within the 30-day span. Separately, the Nowruz holiday period alone, from March 14 to March 23, accounted for approximately 5 million visits, nearly three million of which were to World Heritage-listed sites.

The ministry also noted the active role of cultural events and local markets in attracting visitors. Nowruz-themed markets were set up at 73 heritage sites, showcasing handicrafts and hosting around 300 events designed to celebrate the ancient Persian New Year tradition. Additionally, some 600,000 people took advantage of complimentary access or discounted entry fees facilitated by the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ministry.

Same’ pointed out that these figures might not capture all attendance accurately, as some venues lack ticketing systems, potentially leading to underreporting. He emphasized the significant involvement of honorary tour guides during this peak tourist season, who will be formally recognized during the upcoming Cultural Heritage Week.

The official also underscored the vital cooperation of local communities and public participation, which contributed to enhancing travel services throughout Iran during the spring holidays.

Iran, renowned for one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, is home to an array of historical treasures dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore diverse sites ranging from the ruins of the Achaemenid Empire, including Pasargadae and Persepolis, to prehistorical landmarks such as the Burnt City in Sistan-Baluchestan and the ancient urban centers of Susa and Chogha Zanbil in Khuzestan province. The country’s heritage spans both pre-Islamic and Islamic eras, with key historical transitions marked by empires such as the Medes and the fall of the Sassanids following the Islamic conquest of Persia.

The recent visitor numbers reflect a growing domestic and international interest in Iran’s cultural legacy amid ongoing efforts to promote heritage tourism and preserve these irreplaceable sites.