An online encyclopedia of Iranian archaeological sites hosted by the UCLA Pourdavoud Institute for the Study of the Iranian World
The Gazetteer seeks to provide comprehensive coverage of archaeological sites across the Iranian world. Its approach is twofold: first, to document and present lesser-known, recently discovered, and endangered sites; and second, to include major archaeological monuments and sites in Iran spanning periods from the Neolithic through the Islamic era. The Gazetteer’s catalogue of sites continues to expand through the addition of new entries and the promotion of greater scholarly collaboration. These additions are significant for the insight they provide into the diversity and continuity of Iran’s archaeological heritage. Catalogue entries are regularly updated and revised to reflect ongoing research and discoveries. The unprecedented bombings of Iran during the recent aerial raids by the United States and Israel in March and April 2026 have left a devastating impact on Iranian archaeological sites and monuments. According to a preliminary official estimate by Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, more than 131 archaeological sites, museums, and historic monuments have been impacted with the highest damages observed in Tehran and Isfahan, where the bombings were intense. The country’s global importance is reflected in the inclusion of 29 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Destruction of Iranian monuments and sites have firmly been condemned in at least two declarations by UN’s Cultural Agency and the Interactional Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
One of the Gazetteer’s principal goals is the preservation and presentation of Iran’s cultural heritage. The Gazetteer is also pursuing a digital repository project for archaeological archives. We hope that a future redesign of the website will enable the inclusion of archival archaeological photographs, images, and illustrations.
Access The Archaeological Gazetteer of Iran here.
Published: Friday, November 6, 2026
