In cooperation with the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty, the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan will host a thematic exhibition entitled «IRAN ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST: A Visual Narrative» on 13 February 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Iran is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a continuous history and culture spanning several millennia. It is a land where urban planning, architecture, social organization, ritual practices, and artistic traditions were formed and developed over thousands of years.
The photo exhibition «Iranian Sites Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List» presents a visual narrative of this rich historical legacy. The exhibition features monuments that, due to their outstanding cultural, historical, and universal value, have been recognized beyond national borders and registered as part of the shared heritage of humanity. The display offers a carefully curated selection of Iran’s most significant cultural and historical sites.
Although the majority of these monuments are located within the territory of modern-day Iran, they emerged within a broader historical and cultural context. In academic research, this context is often described as the «Iranian civilization area» – a vast cultural space that historically extended into regions of Central Asia. Within this shared space, cities and communication routes were connected through the movement of people, the exchange of knowledge, and artistic interaction, resulting in cultural and architectural traditions shaped through long-term dialogue.
Held at the National Central Museum of Kazakhstan in Almaty, the exhibition provides a comprehensive documentary overview of 29 Iranian sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites represent an extensive timeline of human civilization, ranging from the millennia BCE to the modern era, and reflect multiple historical periods – from the Median state and the Achaemenid and Sassanian empires to the Islamic period.
Among the featured monuments are the Shahr-e Sukhteh archaeological complex, dating back to the V millennium BCE; the ancient palace complex of Persepolis, constructed approximately 2,500 years ago during the Achaemenid era; the remains of the ancient capital Ecbatana; and the historic city of Yazd, home to hundreds of preserved architectural monuments. The exhibition also highlights the unique Hyrcanian forests, which are estimated to be 25–50 million years old, as well as the cultural landscapes of Meymand and Oraman, which originated in prehistoric times and continue to exist today. In addition, visitors will see images of numerous caravanserais, mosques, public squares, and other architectural masterpieces of the Iranian and Islamic worlds.
This exhibition presents Iran’s cultural and historical monuments not only as the legacy of an ancient civilization, but also as an integral part of the shared historical heritage of the Eurasian region.
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with sites whose historical significance has been thoroughly documented and whose outstanding value has been recognized by the international community.
The official opening ceremony will be attended by Ms. Sona Ahmadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty; S.B. Sarov, Acting Director of the National Central Museum of Kazakhstan; representatives of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty; historians and orientalists; and members of the diplomatic corps. Guests will also enjoy a musical performance by the Iranian ensemble DARVAK.
Exhibition dates: 13 February – 1 March 2026
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Venue: National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Address: Samal-1.44, Almaty
