Navroz in Iran

This comprehensive presentation by Dr. Darayoosh Akbarzadeh, ICHTO aims to illuminate the enduring affection for this festival across the provinces of Iran.

By Parzor Foundation

Groups of traditional musicians play music in Naghsh-e Jahan to welcome NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

What is Navroz?

Enactments portray the death of the old year and the coming of Spring in the most popular festival of Iran - Navroz. Here music celebrates life and Green symbolises the coming of Spring.

Takam Cult: Announcement of the coming Nowruz with songs & shows. Takam means Male goat. The singer has a wooden doll like male goat in his hands. Perhaps this cult reflects traditional agricultural life or role of the shepherd in announcements of the coming Nowruz. This cult in Ardabil is recorded in the National List of Intangible Heritage of Iran.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz celebrations in Ardabil Province

Navroz is spelt in different ways across Iran but is celebrated with the same joy be it in Ardabil or Zanjan.

Pāy-Apār-Makh Ceremony in Meshkin-Shahr: Bringing gifts to relatives & friends on Nowruz, Photo by Imani., Imani, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Chashmeh-bashi: The last Wednesday, before the coming Nowruz, people go to the springs, light a fire, sing & wish each other the best for the coming of the New Year. This ceremony is recorded in the National List of Intangible Heritage of Iran. Photo by Solhi., Solhi, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Pāy-Apār-Makh Ceremony and Chashmeh-bashi, Ardabil Province

Celebrating Novroz

Seen here is a video from Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh from celebrations in his own hometown.

Coast of Bushehr in the New Year with People enjoying themselves in several activitiesOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz celebrations in Bushehr Province

Iran displays differences of geography and a long history but it has kept its traditions alive across religious boundaries.

Preparing a groom for his wedding ceremony in the New Year, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Bringing gifts on the occasion of the New Year, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Creating a picture by painting with cinnamon., Rasool Ghasemi, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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These photographs celebrate Ranginak, a mixture of cooked flour and oil with cinnamon sprinkled along with dates, creating a type of New Year's sweet., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Celebrating Navroz in Bushehr Province

Walnut Valley and People celebrating the New Year.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz celebrations in Central Province

Walnut Valley and People celebrating the New Year.

Turning the shovel in Nim-War city on the occasion of Spring. This, with the filling of fresh water are traditional rituals related to Anahita, Goddess of fertility in the tradition., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Turning the shovel in Nim-War city on the occasion of Spring. This, with the filling of fresh water are traditional rituals related to Anahita, Goddess of fertility in the tradition., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Giving sweets to children on the occasion of the New Year. Children are core to Navroz Celebrations., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz Celebrations in the Central Provinces

Preparing yogurt in the traditional way for NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Chahar- Mahal- Bakhtiyari Provinces

Preparing yogurt in the traditional way for Nowruz

Nan-e Tiri by nomadic people on occasion of the New Year., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Light-bringing ritual: people bring lights to put on the graves of their loved ones remembering them on the occasion of the New Year., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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The Haft-Sin Table in a public display, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Chahar- Mahal- Bakhtiyari Provinces

Ashegh-lar Music group entertains gathered crowds bringing in the coming Nowruz.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in East Azerbaijan

Ashegh-lar Music group entertains gathered crowds bringing in the coming Nowruz.

Nomadic people of Fars Province dance with joy welcoming NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Fars Province

Nomadic people of Fars Province dance with joy welcoming Nowruz

Kuza-beran: Traditionally collecting & carrying water in a jug to the home was a part of the Nowruz celebration., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Cleaning the house before the coming Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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On the last Thursday of the year, before the coming Nowruz there is the sharing of the sprouts or green plants, one of the Haft-Sin with loved ones who have passed away, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Nowruz and Persepolis: Millions of Iranians come to pay respect at this historical site on the Nowruz festival in respectful memory of the glories of Empire., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Fars Province

Light for the ancestors: bringing together the dead with the living on NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Gilan Province

Light for the ancestors: bringing together the dead with the living on Nowruz

Gilan: Men & Women in traditional costumes carrying the Haft Sin welcome Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Shekar- dasht or picking spring flowers is a popular activity across the Provinces, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Bringing gifts to the living on the occasion of Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Traditional handicrafts are prepared for sale at Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Gilan Province

The Turks of Qazel-bash prepare green sprouts for NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Golestan Province

The Turks of Qazel-bash prepare green sprouts for Nowruz 

Tati: A man uses waterwood or waterskin to prepare yoghurt for the Nowruz festival, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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A young couple brings water from a spring to welcome Nowruz and traditionally keep healthy in the New Year, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Sport and Nowruz by young men of Turkeman, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Samanu, one of the Haft -sin: It is a kind of pounded, baked wheat that was sacred in the Zoroastrian tradition and to the Turkaman peoples., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Golestan Province

The Tat people welcome Nowruz in intergenerational celebrations, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Preparing Nan is a family activity, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Golestan Province

Kusa-Galin performances are a part of Nowruz: This traditional performance with song, music, masks at the coming of Nowruz uses red cloth to reminds us of New Life.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Hamadan Province

Kusa-Galin performances are a part of Nowruz: This traditional performance with song, music, masks at the coming of Nowruz uses red cloth to reminds us of New Life.

On the Coast of Bandar Abas the coastal people welcome Nowruz with very different dances from interior Iran.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Hormozgan Province

On the Coast of Bandar Abas the coastal people welcome Nowruz with very different dances from interior Iran.

The Kurdish people have varying costumes & dances to bring in NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Ilam Province

The Kurdish people have varying costumes & dances to bring in Nowruz

Groups of traditional musicians play music in Naghsh-e Jahan to welcome NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Isfahan

Groups of traditional musicians play music in Naghsh-e Jahan to welcome Nowruz

Nowruz Carnival in the city, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Nowruz Carnival in the city, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Nowruz Carnival in the city, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Waterskin and preparing yoghurt in occasion of the coming Nowruz by the Lor tribe, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Isfahan

a Saffron farm where the flowers are separated in preparation for the festivalOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Razavi Khorasan Province

A Saffron farm where the flowers are separated in preparation for the festival 

Traditional women celebrate Nowruz with fresh nan and sweets, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Traditional clothes are worn by children for Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Wooden sticks , dance and enactments are a part of the Nowruz festival, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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A Photographer records a Saffron farm where the flowers are separated in preparation for the festival, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Traditional weaving is encouraged to keep alive the Nowruz heritage of new clothes for the festival, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Razavi Khorasan Province

Nomadic life also enjoys the coming of Spring & baby lambs, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Nomadic life also enjoys the coming of Spring & baby lambs, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Firdowsi Tomb’s is closely linked with Nowruz and Persian Identity, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Traditional clothes & Picnics in nature are part of Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Razavi Khorasan Province

Susa, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire is a popular site for people to visit at NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Navroz in Khuzistan Province

Susa, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire is a popular site for people to visit at Nowruz  

Traditional foods in the south during Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Tourists on camels at Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Khuzistan Province

On the 13th day or 13-Bedar, families go out into Nature, either outside the cities or in parks to commemorate the 13th day of Farvardin, the first month of the Persian Calendar. ‘May this day be blessed with the restoration of friendships with the coming of Spring’. This tradition remains a fixed part of Nowruz.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Kirman Province

On the 13th day or 13-Bedar, families go out into Nature, either outside the cities or in parks to commemorate the 13th day of Farvardin, the first month of the Persian Calendar. ‘May this day be blessed with the restoration of friendships with the coming of Spring’. 

People enjoy games and shopping for Nowruz at Ganj-ali-Khan a large Bazaar, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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People enjoy games and shopping for Nowruz at Ganj-ali-Khan a large Bazaar, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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A Badger Street Musician uses the festival to collect money through songs, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Kirman Province

Nowruz and the public at the Ossuary or burial site of Shirin and Farhad- a memorial to a famous love story of PersiaOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Kirmanshah

Nowruz and the public at the Ossuary or burial site of Shirin and Farhad- a memorial to a famous love story of Persia

Nowruz at Taq-Bostan , the famous Sasanian site.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Taq-Bostan, Kirmanshah

Nowruz at Taq-Bostan , the famous Sasanian site. 

Oak bread is prepared to welcome NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer -Ahmad. Province

Oak bread is prepared to welcome Nowruz 

Shawl-andazi is a custom of sending a shawl from the roof or a window above. The householder ties gift(s) and they lift up the gifts as a part of the Nowruz celebrationsOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Kurdistan Province

Shawl-andazi is a custom of sending a shawl from the roof or a window above. The householder ties gift(s) and they lift up the gifts as a part of the Nowruz celebrations

Welcoming Nowruz in Pomp and Glory

Owraman a mountainous region located within the provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah in western Iran

An elderly Kurdish lady living alone still celebrates Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Kurdish ethnic groups celebrate the coming Nowruz with dance, music and lighting Fires, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Kurdish ethnic groups celebrate the coming Nowruz with dance, music and lighting Fires, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Haft-Sin of a Kurdish family, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Kurdistan Province

Visiting dead relatives with the life giving Green of Haft-Sin; Alfa at NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Lorestan

Visiting dead relatives with the life giving Green of Haft-Sin; Alfa at Nowruz

Shopping for Nowruz Khora-abad city, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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13 Bedar picnic in Lorestan, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Lorestan

Shopping for the Nowruz especially for Hyacinth, the flower which symbolizes Nowruz).Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Mazandaran Province

Shopping for the Nowruz especially for Hyacinth, the flower which symbolizes Nowruz).

Cleaning Houses before the coming Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Preparing sweets in occasion of the Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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13 Bedar, the 13th day of the Farvandin month spent in nature., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Chahr-Shanbeh Suri (the Last Wednesday of the Year) and jumping over the fire to ask the flames to bestow a healthy red glow and take away past illnesses in the New Year., Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Mazandaran

The use of shoots in the ring is a part of traditional wrestling on the occasion of NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in North Khorasan Province

The use of shoots in the ring is a part of traditional wrestling on the occasion of Nowruz 

Preparing Samanu in large containers for a public feast, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Preparing Samanu in large containers for a public feast, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in North Khorasan

Galin-Kusa announces the coming NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz Qazvin Province

Galin-Kusa announces the coming Nowruz

Arrival at the shrine of Qom with Nowruz’s Green shoots of lifeOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Qom

Arrival at the shrine of Qom with Nowruz’s Green shoots of life

Preparing for the wedding feastOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Semnan

Marriage Ceremonies at Nowruz are popular in Semnan

Marriage Ceremonies at Nowruz are popular in Semnan, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Preparing for the wedding feast, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Semnan

Chahr-Shanbeh Suri (the Last Wednesday of the year) and jumping over the FireOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Sistan & Baluchestan

Chahr-Shanbeh Suri (the Last Wednesday of the year) and jumping over the Fire

Mountains in spring sunlight, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Preparing sweets on the occasion of Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Sistan & Baluchestan

The short wooden batons used in these dances are believed to have been brought by Zoroastrian refugees to Gujarat, creating the Dandiya dances of the Garbas.Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in South Khorasan

The short wooden batons used in these dances are believed to have been brought by Zoroastrian refugees to Gujarat, creating the Dandiya dances of the Garbas. 

Game of Tug or War on Occasion of NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Navroz in South Khorasan

Game of Tug or War on Occasion of Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

A personal home in Tehran with its Haft Sin TableOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Tehran

A personal home in Tehran with its Haft Sin Table 

Milad Tower, Tehran & the Welcoming of Nowruz, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Public celebrations at the National Museum of Iran, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Public celebrations at the National Museum of Iran, Original Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh
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Novroz in Tehran

A historical photograph from the Tekab Region on 13 Bedar Day or the 13th day of the Farvardin, first month of the Persian CalendarOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in West Azerbaijan

A historical photograph from the Tekab Region on 13 Bedar Day or the 13th day of the Farvardin, first month of the Persian Calendar 

A Haft-Sin TableOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

A Haft-Sin Table

A Haft-Sin Table in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran 

A special Ceremony signifying new life on the occasion of the NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Yazd Province

A special Ceremony signifying new life on the occasion of the Nowruz 

Takam and the coming of NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Novroz in Zanjan Province

Takam and the coming of Nowruz 

Games and NowruzOriginal Source: Dr. Daryoosh Akbarzadeh

Games and Nowruz

In Zanjan Province, Iran

Credits: Story

We are thankful to the following colleagues, photographers, & Cultural Heritage Offices for their kind cooperation 

Ardabil: Mr. Imani and Zafari
Chahar-Mohal-Bakhtiyari: Mr. H. Ghasemi. 
E. Azarbaijan: Mr. H. Darakhshan and N. Jahdi. 
Gilan: Mrs. L. Khaleghi, S. Rzaee; Mr. O. Rajabipur kashayeh, A. Qorishi, A. Kayvani, F. Shahbazi, P. Tangberis, H. Salimi, M. Sadr
Bushehr, Central Province, Fars, Golestan, Hamadan, Ilam, Isfahan, Khuzistan, Kirmanshah, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Semnan, South Khorasan : CHHT, Province Archive
Hormozgan: Mr. M. Karami, A. Bazmandeh Qeshmi, M. Mirzaee and CHHT, Province Archive
Khorasan Razavi: Mr. H. Izanlu
Kirman: Mrs. M. Rahju
Kohgiluyeh-wa-Boyerahmad: Mr. A. Pak
Kurdistan: Mr. A. Qaderi, A. Sadeghi, B. Shahbazi
Lorestan: A. Farzin and CHHT
North Khorasan: Mr. V. Khademi

Qom: Mrs. Z. Sohofi
Sistan and Baluchistan: Mr. N. Kuhkan
Tehran: National Museum of Iran, Milad Tower

W. Azarbaijan: Mr. H. Sepehrfar

Yazd: Mr. M. Arabi
Zanjan: Mr. H. Khamsaee

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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